Spinnova partners with Outlast to develop high-performance temperature-regulating fibres

Finnish materials technology company Spinnova has signed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with Germany-based Outlast Technologies (Outlast). The agreement aims to explore the development of high-performance textile materials combining Spinnova fibre with Outlast’s temperature regulation and insulation technologies.

The potential collaboration could expand the commercial scope of Spinnova fibre into higher-value technical textiles. Key target sectors include performance apparel and insulation, where temperature control and comfort are central requirements.

Spinnova chief commercial officer, Mikko Lassila, said: “We want Spinnova fibre to compete on performance as well as natural comfort. Outlast brings established technologies for temperature regulation and insulation, and this collaboration gives us an opportunity to explore how they can be combined with our fibre. If successful, we believe this could open new applications for Spinnova fibre, broaden our addressable markets, and support our long-term commercial scale-up strategy.”

Technical integration for high-performance textiles

Spinnova produces its textile fibre from wood pulp and waste side streams using a mechanical process without dissolving or harmful chemicals. Outlast supplies temperature-regulating materials originally developed for NASA that utilise phase change materials (PCMs) to absorb, store, and release heat.

The partnership will also evaluate the integration of Outlast’s Aersulate aerogel technology, which delivers insulation in lightweight, low-profile formats. Both firms will explore how to combine these systems to create differentiated textile applications.

Outlast chief executive officer, Martin Bentz, added: “Spinnova fibre presents an interesting opportunity to explore new applications for our functional technologies. We look forward to evaluating how our temperature regulation and insulation solutions can be combined with Spinnova’s fibre to create differentiated materials that meet the performance requirements of our customers.”