How was the Crabwool project conceived?
Combining the potential of textiles with the benefits of agri-food fibers was the input that initiated the Food Fiber project launched by Federmanager Biella.
Students of the 2017/2019 biennium thus began to search for a fiber that could have innovative properties and functional performance when mixed with wool, a fiber which represents Biella’s history and tradition.
Research led students to identify Crabyon, a fiber originally developed in Japan made with a blend of chitosan and viscose. Chitosan is a product derived from chitin, a mixture of natural origin obtained from crab shell and shellfish. Ideal properties to combine with wool in order to create a new generation of fabrics while reducing environmental impact: natural antibacterial properties, eco-friendly and 100% compostable.
Crabwool, a logo and a product line
Inspired by the idea of combining the innovative Crabyon fiber with wool, TAM students created a logo that blends the image of a woollen yarn ball with a stylized design of shellfish.
The Crabwool logo developed by TAM students
Subsequently, students were divided into groups to work on the project, and in collaboration with TAM’s partner companies, prototypes were developed to create a line of products using Crabwool:
- crab shoes: an anti-odor, antibacterial and ecological shoe dedicated to the young and sporty, fashion-conscious but also attentive to health and eco-sustainability issues
- travel pillow: in latex with Crabwool pillow case
- crabknit_001: an all season sweater of great comfort designed for a daily and casual wear, suitable for a fashionable sportswear
- crabwearing: a baby sling for modern and sporty parents
- crabwool hexagonal: high performing technical t-shirt for sports
- crabwool gloves: elegant and fitting
- espadrillas: a classic footwear reinvented with the use of Crabwool
- dog bed cusion: anti-static, anti-crease, antibacterial and anti-odor
