Enter the new era of
textile production!

Ioncell is a technology that turns used textiles, pulp or even old newspapers into new textile fibers sustainably and without harmful chemicals. The process converts cellulose into fibers which in turn can be made into long-lasting fabrics.

Research

Commercialization

Ioncell products

iPad cover

Designer: Marjaana Tanttu, Aalto University

"Reading printed newspapers has decreased but digitalisation has resulted in new products, such as iPads and their covers. I wanted to design a prototype that reflects this transformation of material streams. An iPad cover made out of newspapers fit my idea well."

Fabric

Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, Director of Home Products and Prints Design at Marimekko

"Due to the recyclable solvent used in the Ioncell-F method the resulting fiber is stronger than viscose and less of a burden on the environment. The material has a silk-like feel to it and it reflects color very well."

Top

Designer: Essi Karell, Aalto University

“In the Trash-2-Cash project textile fibers were recycled into new products. The top was assembled from several pieces of recycled cotton waste. It was technically challenging, but I’m happy with the end result: a subtly ruffled lightweight top, perfect for summer.”

Allu dress

Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, Director of Home Products and Prints Design at Marimekko

"The Ioncell-F material’s absolute benefits are recyclability and durability. The material also works wonderfully as a dress fabric. It settles softly and has a soft feel, excellent color qualities and a beautiful silk-like shine."

Scarf

Designer: Anna Sorri, Aalto University

"Using the Ioncell-F material was inspiring. The yarn was perfect for hand weaving and the scarf turned out surprisingly soft. The material is very beautiful and replicates the hand-painted shades very well. It’s slight lustre also brings a sense of dignity to it."

Phone case

Designer: Harri Santamala

"The phone case was designed together with Juha Tuomola as a demo product. It’s made of epoxy resin reinforced with Ioncell-F fibers. The result is light and aesthetically on point. It’s also super strong – my phone already broke, but I still have the case."

Ioncell in a nutshell

The Ioncell process uses a novel solvent called ionic liquid. It’s an environmentally friendly solvent that can be recycled and isn’t flammable like many others.
Ioncell fibers feel soft and are strong even when wet. They’re tenacious and work well in both clothing and technical applications.
The Ioncell process could revolutionize the recycling of textile waste. It enables waste textiles to get a new life as high-quality fibers.