Everbloom Introduces Renoa, a Sustainable Alternative to Cashmere

Cashmere has become a ubiquitous presence in the modern fashion market, appearing in everything from high-end designer cardigans to casual athletic gear. However, the widespread popularity of the material comes with significant drawbacks, including high costs, delicate maintenance requirements, and environmental damage caused by cashmere goat grazing in Central Asia. A New York-based startup called Everbloom aims to address these issues with a new fiber innovation known as renoa.

Renoa represents the first new fiber classification to receive approval from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in a quarter-century. After three years of development, Everbloom has created a material that mimics the feel and performance of luxury natural fibers while remaining washable and more affordable. The manufacturing process involves sourcing waste proteins—such as scraps from wool and cashmere production, as well as feather and down lint from the bedding industry—and grinding them into a powder. This substance is then combined with a biodegradable biopolymer and extruded to replicate the dimensions and texture of traditional fibers.

During a visit to Everbloom’s headquarters near Bryant Park, CEO and co-founder Sim Gulati demonstrated the durability of the material. A test scarf made from renoa, which had undergone months of wear and repeated machine washing and drying, showed no signs of shrinking or pilling. The company also showcased knit gloves and sweaters that shared the same lightweight, soft characteristics as traditional cashmere.

Everbloom is currently scaling its operations and collaborating with various brands to integrate the fiber into commercial apparel. Initial consumer products featuring renoa are expected to reach the market by the second quarter of 2027. Early applications will likely utilize renoa as a supplemental material, such as an 80/20 cashmere-renoa blend. According to Gulati, upcoming commercial finishing techniques will further align the material’s sensory profile with authentic cashmere without sacrificing the washability and structural stability that the new fiber offers. By utilizing reclaimed waste to create a functional textile, Everbloom hopes to provide a more sustainable, resilient alternative to the luxury fashion industry’s current standards.

Sources: TechCrunch

Aggregated summary. Original: TechCrunch