Manufacturing Unwrapped: Sequinova & Biodegradable Sequins

Welcome back to Manufacturing Unwrapped.

Today's article recounts an exciting interview we conducted last year with Claire Lichfield, Founder of manufacturer Sequinova. 

We met with Claire in person at the Manufacturing Futures Innovation Awards in London, where leaders from global fashion manufacturers like Selfridges were showcasing and judging the start-up talent of the future. 

Sequinova was a runner-up in the awards, making the opportunity we got to speak to its founder even better.

Here's what Sequinova is, what we discussed and why it's important.

Tackling the unsustainability of sequins

Fashion manufacturing has long been criticized for its unsustainable practices, contributing to significant pollution and waste.

Notably, the production of sequins, often made from fossil-based plastics, exemplifies the industry's environmental issues. Sequins are energy-intensive to produce, non-biodegradable, and contribute to microplastic pollution in marine environments.

This piece explores how despite their environmental impact, sequins remain highly popular, with market demand driven by social media-fueled fashion microtrends and seasonal events.

With sequins unlikely to go away, Sequinova has arrived to make them more sustainable. 

The start-up manufacturer produces cellulose-based biodegradable sequins designed to integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing systems.

These sequins decompose in freshwater within eight weeks, making them the first ever fully biodegradable sequins to be produced at scale.

A manufacturer with a unique perspective

Founded during the pandemic as part of the R&D project Bodici, Sequinova seeks to balance both sustainability and scalability.

It was fascinating hearing how its co-founder Clare Lichfield has leveraged her expertise in fashion manufacturing to develop sequins compatible with current machinery, facilitating rapid adoption across markets.

She explained how Sequinova's partnerships with European and Asian factories position it well for global expansion, focusing on efficient, circular production systems.

What greatly stood out to us was Sequinova's philosophy towards sustainable manufacturing. 

The company focuses on providing "slot-in solutions" that align with consumer behavior without requiring significant lifestyle changes.

This approach mirrors successful strategies in plant-based food markets, creating sustainable products without sacrifices.

Why is this article a favourite?

This article makes Manufacturing Unwrapped because it highlights incredible sustainable innovation and creative vision. 

Sequins as things stand pose serious sustainability challenges, and a fully biodegradable alternative that performs exactly the same could be rapidly adopted by manufacturers. 

Sequinova's philosophy is unique and grounded, shaped by Claire's experience and expertise.

Interviewing Claire was a fantastic experience. Young and full of knowledge and passion, she is set to be a true leader in this space and hearing from her got us excited about where fashion manufacturing could go in the future.

With recognition at industry events like Manufacturing Futures 2024, Sequinova exemplifies the potential for sustainable innovation to reshape the manufacturing industry.

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