In Shanghai, a startup is claiming that its fiber made from the Kapok tree is the most sustainable textile on the market. Kapok trees, which can be found widely in South America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia, produce large numbers of seeds that come protected by a fluffy fiber that has been used widely in stuffed toys and bedding. The downside to Kapok, however, has been the need to also use water-intensive cotton fibers to make up for Kapok fibers’ lack of density.
Enter Flocus, which says it has managed to create yarns, fabrics and fillers with higher amounts of kapok. Flocus says the fibers are moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and have insulating properties.
“We work with designers and product developers to offer tailored blending solutions to meet the needs of our customers, and to ensure the lowest possible impact on the environment throughout and at the end of the product’s life,” the company tells Green Queen. “Utilizing kapok, Flocus offers products that can reduce the presence of animal and synthetic products in the market, utilizing a completely natural alternative without abandoning functionality.”