BLOG | 02.12.2025
Spinnova’s mission is to transform the raw material base of the global textile industry, extending far beyond everyday apparel. From the start, Spinnova has explored diverse applications for its fibre, including insulation for outdoor clothing. Today, the insulation application is explored through PENGUIN, a multi-disciplinary research and development project funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.
The PENGUIN project aims to revolutionise outdoor textiles by replacing fossil-based fibres and imported down with sustainable alternatives. The project’s goal is to create safe, high-performance materials inspired by nature, designed for demanding outdoor conditions. The project supports the EU’s climate goals and promotes bio-based solutions for the textile industry.
“The inspiration of the project comes from namesake animals, penguins, and how they protect themselves in harsh environments. To convey the inspiration, by the end of the project we’ll have two prototypes of outdoor jackets made out of cellulose-based textile materials which are safe and sustainable by design,” says Jenni Rahikainen from VTT, the Interim Coordinator of PENGUIN project.
“At Spinnova, we strongly align with the PENGUIN project’s goal of developing bio-based and advanced fibres for sustainable insulation in outdoor textiles. We are actively exploring new applications for our fibres and value this collaboration highly. This project allows us to contribute to an area of the textile industry where innovation is needed,” says Pia Vento, Spinnova’s lead for the PENGUIN project.
The project is developing cellulose-based insulation that replicates the air-trapping qualities of natural down while delivering the thermal performance and comfort of traditional fillers. At the same time, PENGUIN ensures these innovations are economically viable and market-ready by engaging stakeholders and focusing on scalability to meet both consumer expectations and industrial needs.
Achieving this vision requires expertise across multiple fields. PENGUIN brings together nine partners specialising in fibre chemistry, material testing, textile innovation, and product development. After 18 months of work on the four-year project, progress is already significant.
The project has already achieved significant milestones: Spinnova has produced multiple fibre batches with enhanced properties for trials, while OrganoClick has successfully tested hydrophobic and water-repellent treatments, confirming durability, water resistance, and washability. Meanwhile, Molina S.p.A. has optimised loose-fill insulation materials to significantly reduce water absorption, enabling faster drying, improved washability, and better preservation of thermal properties.
Building on these advances, the project now sets a new benchmark for “recyclable performance”: European-sourced textiles that are fibre-by-fibre recyclable, PFAS- and microplastics-compliant, and ready for Digital Product Passport integration. At the same time, Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) activities led by RINA and IDENER.AI embed safety and sustainability throughout development, from fibre assessments to benchmarking against conventional options like polyester.
Want to follow the journey?
Discover how penguin-inspired project is shaping the future of outdoor clothing here or read the latest PENGUIN newsletter here.