'Woocoa' is a Cruelty-Free Material Made from Hemp and Coconut Fibers
Laura McQuarrie — July 5, 2018 — Eco
References: biodesignchallenge.org & instagram
Stella McCartney teamed up with PETA and investment firm Stray Dog Capital to sponsor the first-ever PETA Prize for Animal-Free Woolprize at the 2018 Biodesign Challenge, which tasked students with creating a sustainable vegan wool biomaterial. A unique and cruelty-free solution by the name of 'Woocoa' was named the winner of the challenge.
Woocoa, created by a group of students from Columbia's Universidad de los Andes Bogotá, is made from hemp and coconut fibers that are treated with enzymes extracted from oyster mushrooms. Beyond the focus on the material itself, students were also asked to consider the entirety of the wool alternative's lifecycle.
As Stella McCartney is a champion for compassionate, cruelty-free fashion, the winning students will have the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program at the designer's London headquarters.
Woocoa, created by a group of students from Columbia's Universidad de los Andes Bogotá, is made from hemp and coconut fibers that are treated with enzymes extracted from oyster mushrooms. Beyond the focus on the material itself, students were also asked to consider the entirety of the wool alternative's lifecycle.
As Stella McCartney is a champion for compassionate, cruelty-free fashion, the winning students will have the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program at the designer's London headquarters.
Trend Themes
1. Vegan Wool Alternatives - Opportunity for creating cruelty-free materials as alternatives to traditional wool products.
2. Sustainable Biomaterials - Innovations in biomaterials like 'Woocoa' made from natural fibers and enzymes offer environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional materials.
3. Cruelty-free Fashion - Growing demand for ethically sourced and cruelty-free fashion materials prompts the development of animal-free wool alternatives like 'Woocoa'.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can explore the use of vegan wool alternatives like 'Woocoa' to meet the growing demand for cruelty-free fashion.
2. Textiles - Innovations in biomaterials like 'Woocoa' open opportunities for the textile industry to create sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics.
3. Sustainable Materials - The development of cruelty-free wool alternatives like 'Woocoa' presents opportunities for the sustainable materials industry to provide eco-conscious solutions.
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