Australian technology company Nanollose has developed a sustainable fabric from Nullarbor, a fiber created using natural coconut by-products. This is a first of its kind fabric marking a breakthrough for an industry that is urgently seeking sustainable alternatives to rayon and cotton, both of which cause significant environmental issues. Nullarbor is named from Latin phrase nullus arbor, which means “no trees.”

No trees or plants are impacted by the production of Nanollose’s Nullarbor fiber and fabric, and the process requires very little water. The result is a fiber that can be used to make clothing and textiles, but with a dramatically reduced environmental footprint. The company will initially tap into the established coconut industry to secure pilot-scale supply of the raw material, but when operating on a larger scale, waste streams from bigger industries will be used.