Together, the environmentally aware California company Outerknown and the North Carolina-based startup Keel Labs are launching Kelsun, a seaweed-based fiber, on the commercial scene for the first time. This collaboration is in line with both companies’ commitment to responsible fashion and ocean sustainability.
Pro surfer Kelly Slater and designer John Moore co-founded Outerknown, which debuted the well-liked Blanket Shirt in 2016. The shirt is still a favorite among the brand because of its eco-friendly design and vintage softness. The updated model keeps the original’s comfort level while using cutting-edge, environmentally friendly materials. It is constructed from a blend of organic cotton and Kelsun yarn.
Kelsun is entirely biobased and biodegradable, and it was created as a sustainable substitute for conventional textile fibers. Composed primarily of seaweed biopolymer, the material decomposes organically in approximately sixty days. Keel Labs guarantees ethical seaweed procurement by following regional harvesting customs and sustainability regulations.
Tessa Callaghan, co-founder and CEO of Keel Labs, expressed excitement in collaborating with Outerknown, citing their common love of the ocean and dedication to sustainability. The partnership enables Keel Labs to realize its goal of producing eco-friendly goods using resources found in the water.
