Everbloom, a New York City-based startup, has introduced renoa, the first new fiber recognized by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in 25 years. Renowned for its cashmere-like feel, renoa is created from waste proteins including discarded cashmere, wool scraps, as well as down and feather remnants from the bedding industry. Everbloom processes these materials into a powder, combines it with a biodegradable biopolymer, and extrudes the mixture to form fibers that closely resemble natural ones, promising an eco-friendlier and more affordable alternative to traditional cashmere.

The technology behind renoa has been under development for three years, utilizing Everbloom's proprietary AI model to optimize the material's properties. The startup is currently scaling production and collaborating with various companies to introduce renoa into the market. Initial consumer products are expected to contain renoa as a blended fiber, approximately 20%, integrated with cashmere to maintain softness while improving durability and washability. The first of these products is slated to debut in the second quarter of 2027.

During a visit to Everbloom’s headquarters, the CEO Sim Gulati demonstrated several items made from renoa, including a crewneck sweater, knit gloves, and notably, a scarf that had undergone extensive washing and tumble drying without pilling or shrinking. This test piece highlights renoa’s potential to offer greater ease of care compared to traditional cashmere, which is often delicate and expensive to maintain. The material’s resilience could open up new possibilities for consumer apparel without sacrificing the luxurious feel associated with cashmere.

The fashion industry has long relied on cashmere, but concerns about its environmental impact, particularly the damage goats cause to rangelands in Central Asia, have driven the search for sustainable alternatives. Renoa’s use of waste materials addresses these sustainability issues by repurposing what would otherwise be discarded, offering an environmentally conscious solution. With its upcoming market launch, renoa could become a popular choice in apparel seeking to blend luxury, sustainability, and practicality.