Everbloom Introduces Renoa, First New Fiber in 25 Years, as a Cashmere Alternative

Image: A knit glove sits on a table next to a knit scarf. · Source

Everbloom's renoa is a washable, affordable fiber made from waste proteins and biopolymers, approved as the first new fiber in 25 years, aiming to replicate cashmere's feel with improved durability and sustainability.

Everbloom, a startup based in New York City, has developed renoa, a new fiber that marks the first fiber classification approved by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in 25 years. Designed as a sustainable, affordable alternative to cashmere, renoa is made from recycled protein waste including cashmere and wool scraps, as well as down and feather lint from the bedding industry. This waste is processed into a powder and combined with a biodegradable biopolymer before being extruded to mimic the length and diameter of natural fibers.

The company has invested three years developing renoa, aided by its proprietary AI model for material science. The initial product aims to replicate cashmere’s luxurious softness and lightness while offering improved durability and being easier to care for. Notably, renoa withstands washing and even tumble drying without pilling or shrinking, which are common issues with pure cashmere garments.

During a recent visit to Everbloom's headquarters overlooking Bryant Park in New York, co-founder and CEO Sim Gulati showcased several renoa-based garments, including a crewneck sweater, knit gloves, and a scarf that had been worn and washed repeatedly over months. The scarf's resilience illustrated renoa's potential to outperform traditional cashmere in everyday use.

Everbloom plans to introduce renoa to market initially as a blended fiber, constituting roughly 20% of the material in products such as cashmere sweaters, to ease consumer adoption and maintain familiarity. The first commercial products featuring renoa are expected to launch in the second quarter of 2027. According to Gulati, commercial finishing processes will further enhance the fiber’s qualities without sacrificing its washability and stability.

As demand for sustainable and high-performance textiles grows, renoa presents a promising new option in luxury fashion, aiming to reduce environmental impact and increase the accessibility of cashmere-like garments. Everbloom’s innovation could transform the cashmere market by addressing some of its key limitations through science-driven recycling and fiber engineering.