Spinnova Plc has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Outlast Technologies GmbH to explore new opportunities in high-performance textile materials. Announced on November 5, 2026, the collaboration will focus on combining SPINNOVA® fibre with Outlast’s technologies for temperature regulation and insulation.
Spinnova produces textile fibres from wood pulp and side streams. Meanwhile, Germany-based Outlast specialises in temperature regulation and insulation technologies.
Through this agreement, both companies aim to explore higher-value applications for SPINNOVA® fibre. These include technical textiles, performance apparel and insulation materials. In these applications, temperature control and comfort play an important role.
Combining fibre innovation with temperature regulation
Spinnova produces SPINNOVA® fibre through a mechanical process. This process does not use harmful chemicals or dissolve the raw material. As a result, the fibre offers an alternative approach to textile material production.
Meanwhile, Outlast brings two technology platforms to the collaboration:
- Outlast® Temperature Regulation: This technology uses phase change materials (PCMs) to absorb, store and release heat. As a result, it helps manage temperature changes and improve comfort. The technology also builds on innovations originally developed for NASA.
- AERSULATE®: This aerogel-based insulation technology provides thermal insulation in lightweight and thin materials.
By combining these technologies, the companies aim to explore textile materials that bring together fibre properties, temperature regulation and insulation.
Exploring new technical textile applications
The collaboration will assess how SPINNOVA® fibre performs alongside Outlast’s functional technologies. In particular, the companies will explore materials for applications that require insulation, thermal comfort and temperature management.
Potential applications include performance apparel and other higher-value technical textile products. Furthermore, the companies will evaluate how their combined technologies can meet customer performance requirements.
Mikko Lassila, Chief Commercial Officer of Spinnova, said, “We want SPINNOVA® fibre to compete on performance as well as natural comfort. Outlast brings established technologies for temperature regulation and insulation, and this collaboration gives us an opportunity to explore how they can be combined with our fibre. If successful, we believe this could open new applications for SPINNOVA® fibre, broaden our addressable markets, and support our long-term commercial scale-up strategy.”
Martin Bentz, Chief Executive Officer of Outlast, said, “SPINNOVA® fibre presents an interesting opportunity to explore new applications for our functional technologies. We look forward to evaluating how our temperature regulation and insulation solutions can be combined with Spinnova’s fibre to create differentiated materials that meet the performance requirements of our customers.”
Supporting future fibre development
Both companies will evaluate the potential of combining their technologies to create differentiated textile materials. However, the agreement remains non-binding. It sets out their intention to explore development opportunities rather than confirm a commercial product launch.
If the collaboration proves successful, it could expand the application range of SPINNOVA® fibre. It could also support Spinnova’s long-term commercial scale-up strategy.
For more information, visit Spinnova and Outlast Technologies.