FAQ

What makes Spinnova so awesome? 
Spinnova is the only company in the world able to convert paper grade pulp into textile fibre without harmful chemicals. The process is based on mechanical treatment of the pulp, as well as fibre suspension flows and rheology. Unlike all other cellulosic textile fibres, the Spinnova fibre’s chemical compound is the same as paper’s. 

Why are not all Bergans products made with the Spinnova material? 
Spinnova is not yet a commercially available fibre, but Spinnova works with the most sustainable, pioneering brands like Bergans, on prototyping while planning for commercialization. Bergans and Spinnova entered a long-term product development collaboration in the summer 2019. We have so far launched three products in The collection of tomorrow, it does not mean that we are on target. The material still has great development potentials, in fact we do not even know if we will achieve our goals. But we continue step by step, and have great faith that we will succeed. Our journey together will continue, and Spinnova is in the process of building its first commercial production facility that is estimated to be complete by the end of 2022.

Is the products made by pure Spinnova material? 
Spinnova is working on potentially providing 100% SPINNOVA® materials in the future, meanwhile we use it in a blend with other materials, as is common in fabrics. So far, 30–40 % of the fabrics in the products we have released has been SPINNOVA® material. The other materials are all of natural origin; organic cotton, cellulose-based fibre Tencel, lamb wool or wood. There are no coating chemicals on the fabric or even plastic and metal accessories. The products therefore have the most minimal environmental footprint. 

Is it really made of wood? 
Yes, the raw material of our fibre is pulp that’s made of FSC certified wood. This is Spinnova’s spearhead at the moment, but we believe that almost any type of cellulose is equally suitable for this method. Spinnova are also looking into e.g. agricultural and bio waste-based cellulose. The pulp that comes into their process is mechanically refined into a very fine, paste-like material called micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC). MFC is a subsequent product of the pulping process. It has historically been produced on a small scale, for small volume products such as cosmetics. 

What does FSC certified wood mean? 
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), is a non-profit organization that sets certain high standards to make sure that forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner. Wooden products labeled as "FSC Certified" are manufacturer in a way that met the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council. The FSC certification is considered the "gold standard" designation for wood harvested from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable. 

Is Spinnova a man-made cellulosic? 
No, the Spinnova process is not a regenerating process. It does not use dissolved pulp and there is no dissolving involved in any stage of the process. This also means that Spinnova 

don’t use any harmful chemicals. There are several fibre innovations out there that use dissolved pulp, but can avoid using harmful chemicals like sulfur, which is a step in the right direction. 

Spinnova is not a man-made fibre, nor a biosynthetic. The chemical compound of this fibre is the same as paper’s, although the handfeel and mechanical properties are closest to cotton. Sound too amazing to be true? Well, it’s not. 

Is it a nanocellulose / post-consumer waste circulating innovation? 
No, the Spinnova fibre falls into natural fibre category (fibre generic class). Spinnova’s raw material is micro fibrillated cellulose, which means that the fibrils within the fibre are larger than in the nano level. Nanocellulose substance is gel-like, whereas micro fibrillated cellulose is more like a paste. Due to the different consistency, nanocellulose is used for applications such as biomedical solutions. 

The fibre is in fact a circular product, as it can be ground back into the micro level and reused several times in our process. Reusing post-consumer fibre, even Spinnova fibre, in the Spinnova process is something we are now studying together with the Collection of Tomorrow.  

Is it possible to buy a Spinnova x Bergans x Halley Stevensons products or get a sample of the material? 
Yes, in a way. The fibre is not commercially available, but you are welcome to buy a shirt and become a Spinnova co-owner! The fibre is still in development and the Spinnova material only exist in a very limited amount, however we are eager to share it with you already – in return we want your feedback on how the material behave and perform. If you want to be amongst the very first few to experience a fully circular material, please place your order. 

The road from this piloting phase to our vision, where products made of Spinnova fibre will be in shops everywhere is not as simple as one may think, but every decision Spinnova make is based on that vision and takes us closer to achieving it. 

I did not get answer to my question, what do I do? 
That’s a pity, send us an email (future.labs@bergans.com) and ask us. We will answer you as soon as we can. If you want to ask Spinnova a question, please email comms@spinnova.com.