biomaterial elements the design team applies is the cellulose-based Simplifyber Fybron from renewable sources such as wood, paper, and recycled textiles.

It emerges at the Kia electric SUV EV2’s dashboard and door panels. This ingredient comes through a liquid-based process, eliminating the need for weaving or spinning.

A funding follows a $4.2 million Seed round completed in July 2022. Simplifyber is pioneering an innovative 3D-molding process aimed at reducing the environmental impact of soft goods manufacturing.

ebruary, the B-segment electric SUV is said to embody Kia’s forward-thinking approach to urban mobility.

The concept’s cabin combines flexible design and environmentally conscious color, material, and finish (CMF) concepts for a unique user experience. Kia worked with Bcomp, Simplifyber, and Biomyc to enhance circularity and accelerate the development and production of bio-produced materials that can replace commonly used contemporary synthetics such as plastics in its future vehicles.
Simplifyber developed and produced the Concept EV2’s dashboard and door panels using its next-generation cellulose-based formulation called Fybron. Kia is the first automotive brand to apply the material made from a mix of sources, including wood, paper, and/or recycled textiles in vehicle design. The formulation used for the concept interior consists of 56% FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified cellulose fibers (31% wood pulp, 25% lyocell), 21% FSC-certified natural rubber latex, 12% bio-based binders, and 11% synthetic fibers.

omponents with a focus on sustainability. Simplifyber fits perfectly into our investment thesis. It is a company with innovative technology, a qualified team, and strategic alignment with our objectives of replacing fossil raw materials. By scaling this model, we believe we can open new markets for Suzano's eucalyptus fiber,” Cadaval told Forbes. Founded in 2020, Simplifyber develops a manufacturing platform that transforms molded cellulose into products such as footwear, clothing, and automotive components, with reduced or zero use of plastic. The technology is currently in pilot phase and is expected to scale up in the coming months.

nsive process and fully biodegradable solution – cutting out 60% of the steps and 35% of the materials in the fashion supply chain that end up as waste.

“I saw how additive manufacturing – 3D printing – was disrupting nearly every other industry, but not fashion and set out to find the people who could make this a reality,” said Simplifyber co-founder and CEO Maria Intscher-Owrang, who has had a 20+ year career as a fashion designer and director at leading fashion houses, including Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Dirk Bikkembergs, Edun and Vera Wang. “We have discovered a way to create clothing using soft plant fibres. We start with a liquid cellulose – made in a lab, not in a mill – which is then poured onto specially-designed moulds and dried, eliminating fabric waste altogether and allowing on-demand, stock-free service.”

s that end up as waste in the fashion supply chain.

Now the New York-based company which creates the fully-molded garment and shoe uppers made directly from a cellulose-based liquid has raised a $3.5M round of seed funding, led by At One Ventures. The funding round also saw participation from Techstars, Heritage Group Ventures, The Helm, W Fund, Jetstream Ventures, Plug & Play Ventures, REFASHIOND Ventures, CapitalX Ventures, Keeler Investments Group and others.

radable, and the whole process reduces waste.

“Everything we’re doing is different, from start to finish,” says Maria Intscher-Owrang, cofounder and CEO of the startup, who previously worked as a designer at fashion houses, including Alexander McQueen and Vera Wang. “We design differently, in 3D. Our molds are 3D printed. Then we pour our liquid slurry that ultimately becomes a fabric-like material into those molds.”