Cashmere is traditionally regarded as a luxury textile due to its softness, warmth, and lightness. The fiber is sourced from the undercoat of specific goat breeds, with each animal producing only a limited quantity,typically a few ounces per year. This restricted supply, combined with increasing global demand, has resulted in unsustainable herding practices and a measurable decline in fiber quality. The proliferation of low-cost cashmere products has further exacerbated these issues, as producers attempt to meet demand by increasing the frequency of shearing, which negatively impacts both animal welfare and fiber characteristics.
Sim Gulati, co-founder and CEO of Everbloom, identified these supply chain inefficiencies and sustainability concerns. According to Gulati, the market trend toward inexpensive cashmere has led to compromised fiber quality and unsustainable production methods. Rather than attempting to reform the existing cashmere industry or shift consumer willingness to pay, Everbloom has focused on developing alternative materials that replicate the properties of cashmere.
Everbloom’s primary innovation is the development of a proprietary material science artificial intelligence platform, Braid.AI. This system is designed to convert waste materials, such as chicken feathers, into fibers with physical properties similar to cashmere. The company has secured over $8 million in investment from sources including Hoxton Ventures and SOSV, indicating significant market interest in upcycled, sustainable textile solutions.
The core of Everbloom’s process is the extraction and utilization of keratin, a protein found in animal byproducts such as feathers, wool, and down. These materials, which are often discarded or underutilized, are collected from various points in the fiber supply chain. The keratin-rich waste is processed,chopped, blended with proprietary compounds, and extruded into pellets. These pellets are then spun into fibers using standard polyester spinning equipment, enabling compatibility with existing textile manufacturing infrastructure.
Braid.AI is integral to optimizing this process. The AI system adjusts formulation and processing parameters to engineer fibers with targeted characteristics, including softness, durability, and other performance metrics. This adaptability allows Everbloom’s technology to address not only cashmere alternatives but also a broader range of textile applications.
Sustainability is a key component of Everbloom’s value proposition. All fibers produced are designed to be biodegradable, including those intended to replace conventional polyester. The company is conducting accelerated testing to validate biodegradability claims. By utilizing waste streams as feedstock, Everbloom reduces both textile waste and the environmental impact associated with traditional fiber production.
Cost competitiveness is also central to Everbloom’s strategy. The company aims to eliminate the so-called “green premium” by ensuring that its materials are economically viable for both brands and consumers. Gulati asserts that for a new material to achieve widespread adoption, it must deliver both product and economic benefits throughout the supply chain.
In summary, Everbloom leverages artificial intelligence and material science to create sustainable, high-performance textile fibers from waste materials. The company’s approach addresses key industry challenges related to supply, quality, environmental impact, and cost. If successful, this model could significantly alter the landscape of luxury and mainstream textile production.
