Best of Earth911 Podcast: Tessa Gallagher of Keel Labs introduces Kelsun kelp-based textiles

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual CO2 emissions and a huge amount of waste clogging landfills, rivers and beaches around the world. Many of our clothing are made from petroleum-based fibers such as polyester. Tessa Callahan, Co-Founder and CEO keel lab, Recognized as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Leaders For her contribution to plant-based fashion. An early-stage startup based in Morrisville, North Carolina, has developed a kelp-based alternative called Kelsun. According to the company, Kelsun is a compostable, soft natural fiber that can be incorporated into clothing production systems without modification. The result is clothing that is as comfortable and durable as clothing made from water-intensive cotton or petroleum-based fibers.

After starting her career in the fashion industry, Tessa realized that there was a growing demand for sustainable alternatives to clothing, which has a negative impact on the environment at every stage of its lifecycle. Keel Labs converts kelp into Kelsun, and the resulting fibers can be composted at the end of their useful life, potentially becoming a recyclable material we can wear with pride. Learn more about Keel Labs. https://www.keellabs.com/

Editor’s note: This episode originally aired on May 6, 2024.