What does Keel Labs do?

Transforming textile industry with sustainable Kelsun fiber made from seaweed biopolymers.

Keel Labs - Sustainable Textile Innovation from Ocean Resources

Keel Labs is a materials innovation platform that develops sustainable fiber solutions from ocean-based resources. Their flagship product, Kelsun® fiber, is made from seaweed-derived biopolymers and designed as an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional textiles.

The company was founded by Tessa Callaghan and Aleks Gosiewski as design students who wanted to tackle textile waste in the fashion industry. They believed they could create fundamental change by addressing the root of the problem: the materials themselves. Originally launched as AlgiKnit in 2017, the company rebranded to Keel Labs in 2022.

Keel Labs is driving significant environmental impact by eliminating reliance on arable land for fiber production and avoiding harmful agricultural additives like pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. By sourcing materials from the ocean, they are transforming the textile industry toward a more sustainable future and demonstrating how marine resources can accelerate planetary development in climate-forward directions.

Keel Labs creates environmental impact by developing ocean-based fiber alternatives that eliminate the need for land-based agriculture in textile production. Their seaweed-derived Kelsun® fiber avoids the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other harmful additives commonly associated with traditional fiber production.

By beginning their material production process in the ocean rather than on arable land, they are helping to reduce the textile industry's environmental footprint while providing a sustainable alternative for fashion and other industries. The company operates as a platform for expanding ocean-based resource possibilities to transform how materials are produced.