Collateral Good Invests in Simplifyber to Revolutionise Sustainable Textile Manufacturing

Zurich, April 14th, 2025 – We’re proud to announce our investment in Simplifyber’s US$12M Series A funding round, led by Suzano Ventures—the venture arm of the world’s largest wood pulp producer—alongside At One Ventures, marking our second investment with them.

Simplifyber is pioneering a new era in textile manufacturing through a 100% biodegradable, plastic-free material technology that eliminates the need for yarn, weaving, or cutting. With applications spanning from apparel to accessories, furniture, and automotive interiors, the company’s breakthrough solution offers a scalable, cost-competitive alternative to the synthetic fibers currently dominating the industry.

A systemic solution for a systemic problem

At Collateral Good, we invest in radical innovators addressing environmental health at the root. And when it comes to textiles, the system is broken.

More than 60% of global textiles are made from synthetic, petroleum-based fibers* like polyester, contributing to a fashion industry that accounts for up to 6.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions** and uses over 66 trillion litres of water*** annually. Most of these materials are neither recyclable nor biodegradable, adding to the growing tide of microplastics polluting ecosystems and human health.

Simplifyber offers a fundamentally new approach—one that rethinks the material and the method from the ground up.

From pulp to product, without the pollution

Instead of spinning, weaving, and sewing, Simplifyber uses a proprietary direct-forming process to create soft goods directly from plant-based fibers such as FSC-certified wood pulp, hemp, and bamboo. The result is a revolutionary manufacturing method that is:

  • 100% plastic-free and biodegradable: Products decompose naturally in industrial compost within two years.

  • Waste-reducing by design: Up to 60% less material waste compared to traditional textile manufacturing.

  • Water- and energy-efficient: Requires significantly fewer resources throughout the production cycle.

  • Cost-effective and scalable: Compatible with existing global supply chains—no green premium required.

This isn’t just about better materials—it’s about reimagining the process itself. And it’s this combination of material innovation, process redesign, and commercial viability that sets Simplifyber apart.

A shared vision for Regenerative Materials

We’re excited to be co-investing alongside Suzano Ventures and At One Ventures for the second time. It’s inspiring to see a growing mix of startups and industry leaders aligning around nature-based solutions that have the potential to scale globally. Read more in Forbes Brasil.

Supporting the next generation of circular materials

We believe in entrepreneurs who go beyond incremental change. Simplifyber isn’t just reducing harm—it’s redesigning the system for circularity, scale, and sustainability.

As a fund committed to backing early-stage companies with climate-positive impact, we’re pleased to support Simplifyber’s journey toward reshaping the future of fashion and soft goods.

*Sources:

1. Textile Exchange Synthetics Market Report

2. EMF/McKinsey (2017) McKinsey (2020), Quantis (2018)

3. Higg MSI