After 20 years of research, Gary Cass has created an environmentally friendly regenerated cellulose textile but is taking his discovery to Sweden because he was unable to find local backing.
After 20 years of research, Perth scientist Gary Cass has created an environmentally friendly regenerated cellulose textile but is taking his discovery to Sweden because he was unable to find local backing.
Mr Cass was a founder of sustainable textile company Nanollose but left the ASX-listed organisation in 2019.
A year later, he established Cass Materials.
The company recently announced it had developed a textile called Kylarr fibres, made from nanocellulose and using no toxic chemicals.
The textile was created by taking wood-based cellulose fibres, dissolving them and regenerating a new cellulose thread. As the cellulose threads are not chemically altered, they remain biodegradable.
Working together with Perth-based textile designer Nancy Ballesteros from Treetops Colour Harmonies, Cass Materials has created a beanie using fabric knitted from Kylarr fibres and Merino wool.
Mr Cass said most people were not aware of the damage manufacturing fabrics could have on the environment.
“We have been trying to develop technology to solve this problem for years and finally we have accomplished a great result with the invention of Kylarr fibres,” he said.
He is now relocating his company to Sweden, after the country showed interest in his work.
He said the Research Institute of Sweden had funded his move and research into his company’s nanocellulose technology and materials.
Mr Cass said the Swedish government was setting up a collaborative innovation hub in Ornskoldsvik for nanocellulose research because they saw the material as part of their future economy.
“The next challenge is to industrialise the technology,” said Mr Cass.
“The less chemicals used in the production of textiles, the better the outcome for the fashion industry and the environment moving forward.”
He is moving to Sweden to start his new company Cass Materials AB, which is wholly owned by his Australian company Cass Materials, next week.
Mr Cass originally started working in the sustainable textile sector two decades ago after he accidentally created a textile-like substance when he flooded a vat of wine with oxygen.
In 2006, he teamed up with Perth fashion designer Donna Franklin to release the world’s first wine dress.
