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Your Next Shirt Could Come From CO2 - The New Worlds Of Fashion, Food

The article titled "Your Next Shirt Could Be Made From CO2: The New World Of Food And Fashion" by Joan Michelson, published on Forbes on June 30, 2025, delves into the innovative use of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the production of textiles and food, highlighting a significant shift towards sustainability and circular economy practices. The piece explores how various companies and researchers are transforming CO2, a notorious greenhouse gas, into valuable products, thereby addressing climate change while meeting consumer demands for eco-friendly goods.

The article begins by introducing the concept of using CO2 as a raw material for manufacturing. Traditionally viewed as a waste product, CO2 is now being seen as a resource that can be captured and converted into useful materials. This approach not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint but also aligns with the growing trend of sustainable fashion and food production. Michelson emphasizes that this shift is driven by both technological advancements and increasing consumer awareness about environmental issues.

One of the key examples provided in the article is the work of a company called LanzaTech, which has developed a process to convert industrial emissions into ethanol. This ethanol can then be used to produce various products, including fabrics. LanzaTech's technology involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources, such as steel mills and refineries, and using bacteria to ferment the gas into ethanol. This ethanol can be further processed into polyethylene, a common material used in clothing. The article highlights that LanzaTech's approach not only reduces CO2 emissions but also creates a new revenue stream for industries that would otherwise release the gas into the atmosphere.

The article also discusses the potential of CO2-derived materials in the fashion industry. Michelson points out that companies like Spinnova and Renewcell are exploring the use of CO2-based fibers in their products. Spinnova, for instance, has developed a method to create wood-based fibers that can be combined with CO2-derived materials to produce sustainable fabrics. These fabrics are not only eco-friendly but also offer performance benefits such as durability and comfort. Renewcell, on the other hand, focuses on recycling cotton waste into new fibers, which can be blended with CO2-based materials to create high-quality textiles.

In addition to textiles, the article explores the use of CO2 in food production. Michelson mentions companies like Air Protein and Solar Foods, which are using CO2 to create protein-rich foods. Air Protein, for example, uses a process called gas fermentation to convert CO2 into a protein-rich substance that can be used as a meat substitute. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of food production but also addresses the growing demand for plant-based and alternative protein sources. Solar Foods, similarly, uses CO2 and electricity to produce a protein called Solein, which can be used in various food products.

The article also touches on the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling up these technologies. Michelson notes that while the potential of CO2-based products is immense, there are still technical and economic hurdles to overcome. For instance, the cost of capturing and converting CO2 can be high, and the infrastructure required to implement these technologies on a large scale is significant. However, she also points out that government incentives, such as carbon credits and subsidies, can help drive the adoption of these technologies. Additionally, partnerships between companies and research institutions are crucial for advancing the development and commercialization of CO2-based products.

Michelson also discusses the role of consumer behavior in driving the demand for sustainable products. She highlights that as more consumers become aware of the environmental impact of their choices, there is a growing market for eco-friendly goods. This trend is particularly evident in the fashion and food industries, where consumers are increasingly seeking out products that are sustainable and ethically produced. The article suggests that companies that can successfully integrate CO2-based materials into their products will be well-positioned to meet this demand and gain a competitive advantage.

The article concludes by emphasizing the broader implications of using CO2 as a resource. Michelson argues that this approach represents a paradigm shift in how we think about waste and resources. By turning a harmful greenhouse gas into valuable products, we can not only mitigate climate change but also create new economic opportunities. She calls for continued innovation and collaboration across industries to fully realize the potential of CO2-based technologies.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of CO2-based products in the fashion and food industries. It highlights the innovative work being done by companies and researchers, the potential benefits of these technologies, and the challenges that need to be addressed. Michelson's piece serves as a call to action for businesses, policymakers, and consumers to embrace this new world of sustainable production and consumption.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanmichelson2/2025/06/30/your-next-shirt-could-made-from-co2--the-new-world-of-food-and-fashion/ ]