Fashion Commission unveils Red Sea seaweed textile innovation at Misk Global Forum

The Fashion Commission has announced the launch of the Red Sea Seaweed Project at the Misk Global Forum, introducing a pioneering bio-textile made from marine algae sourced from the Red Sea.

The sustainable material, developed and produced at The Lab, the Commission’s product development studio, represents a major step toward building a next-generation sustainable fashion ecosystem in the Kingdom.

The initiative was unveiled during the panel “Fabric of the Future: Red Sea Seaweed Textile,” which featured Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission; Fiona Symes, COO of KAUST Beacon Development (KBD); and Regina Polanco, CEO of PYRATEX. The discussion explored the scientific foundation and development process of the material, as well as its potential to shape future-focused fashion innovation.

Developed in collaboration with KAUST and PYRATEX, the Red Sea Seaweed textile combines marine research, responsible resource use, and advanced textile manufacturing. KBD led the survey and harvesting of Red Sea algae, ensuring environmental protection and preservation of bioactive properties. The resulting biomass forms the basis for high-quality, traceable, bio-based fibres aligned with Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals.

“Launching this material marks a defining moment in our journey to build a future-ready sustainable fashion ecosystem,” said Burak Çakmak. “By transforming a local natural resource into a fully traceable, sustainable textile, we are demonstrating the power of science, creativity, and industry working together.”

Fiona Symes added: “By researching the biochemical properties of Red Sea seaweed, we were able to integrate local algae species into an innovative blended yarn. Working jointly with PYRATEX and the Fashion Commission has allowed us to turn a local natural resource into a creative and viable textile ingredient.”

Using PYRATEX technology, the seaweed biomass was blended with Lyocell and organic cotton to produce a fabric that is natural, skin-friendly, and fully traceable. The material was then crafted into garments at The Lab, showcasing the potential to produce sustainable, locally made fashion in Saudi Arabia.

The Red Sea Seaweed Project reinforces the Fashion Commission’s mission to drive innovation, develop sustainable materials, and connect science and creativity to shape the future of fashion in the Kingdom and beyond.