Designer Iris Veentjer, owner of Studio i Focus, is dedicated to innovative material research and experimental design to foster a regenerative world. Since 2018, she has created products raising awareness about environmental and social issues. The Netherlands faces significant soil subsidence and greenhouse gas emissions due to peatlands being drained for cattle grazing, which leads to plant decomposition and CO2 release. To address this, alternative agricultural methods like wetland cultivation are being explored.
A type of plant that thrives in wet conditions are cattails, the cultivation of which is currently not profitable for farmers, which is why its fibres are typically used for low-value products like insulation. Iris’s project, RietGoed, aims to develop high-quality textiles from cattails.
Iris developed a machine to mechanically extract fibers from cattails, allowing them to be processed like linen. This innovative approach can help reduce soil subsidence and emissions while creating a biocircular production process utilizing all parts of the plant.
With RietGoed, Iris aims to inspire broader adoption of sustainable practices and scale up textile production.
“Textiles made from cattails could potentially replace synthetic oil-based yarns. I aim to have the process from plant to fiber to product be fully biocircular. After multiple recyclings, textiles can return to the fields, contributing to peatland restoration,” she summarizes.
“RietGoed can be a solution to the nitrogen problem in peat meadow areas. By draining these areas, the soil sinks and nitrogen is released into the air. If we grow cattails on peat meadows in watery peat soil and make clothing from them, farmers will have the opportunity to earn money with this new crop.” – Iris Veentjer
Explore RIETGOED BY IRIS VEENTJER in the Sustainable Innovations Forum at KEYHOUSE in Hall 7!
THIS MIGHT BE ALSO INTERESTING FOR YOU
MUNICH FABRIC START & BLUEZONE – Essential and efficient
5. September 2024
INTUITION means that we have the courage to rely on our inner voice instead of just relying on hard facts and data. An interview with the organisers of MUNICH FABRIC START.
Navigating the Future of Sustainable Innovation
3. September 2024
This season, we're continuing this saga by posing critical questions and embracing a more holistic narrative. It’s less about solutions and more about interventions and transformative thinking.
INTUITION – In conversation with the organisers of MUNICH FABRIC START about the zeitgeist, trade shows and new chances
3. September 2024
INTUITION means that we have the courage to rely on our inner voice instead of just relying on hard facts and data. An interview with the organisers of MUNICH FABRIC START.
FABRIC HIGHLIGHTS & MATERIAL NOVELTIES FOR AUTUMN.WINTER 25/26 – PART VIII
3. September 2024
The claim “The best made by our hands” highlight the importance of our partners to create an high quality fabric giving the best service possible.
New Fabric Collection by BUNTASTIC
3. September 2024
Buntastic Design Studio has put together for us a “bowl” of fresh design ingredients for fall/winter 2025.
FABRIC HIGHLIGHTS & MATERIAL NOVELTIES FOR AUTUMN.WINTER 25/26 – PART VII
2. September 2024
This quality is suitable for the toddler sector thanks to its special softness and Gots certification, but also for the wintry adult outdoor sector thanks to its particularly warming properties combined with light weight.
Additionals Trends Autumn.Winter 25/26 – Part 6
2. September 2024
We Nordic Label Studios is recognized for its innovation, craftsmanship, sustainability, and compliance.
BLUEZONE NEWS FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 – PART IV
1. September 2024
Timeless is a new concept from Tejidos Royo that represents the creation of high-quality garments with less impact on the planet, ...
FABRIC HIGHLIGHTS & MATERIAL NOVELTIES FOR AUTUMN.WINTER 25/26 – PART VI
1. September 2024
Manifattura di Carmignano is more than a textile company: it is a core group of people united by a passion for excellence and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
KEYHOUSE NEWS – MOMENTUM
1. September 2024
Momentum plays a crucial role by providing the technology to create and manage these digital passports for fashion brands & suppliers ensuring compliance and fostering circular product development.