Symbiosis: Fashion's Evolution Towards a Regenerative Circular Economy
Symbiosis is a brand based on finding a solution for a sustainable change in the fashion industry. Finding the perfect solution will always be challenging, but it felt like finding water in the desert when I started researching Biomaterials. Upcycling, reusing, and reducing are what I assume when I think of sustainable changes in the fashion industry. What needs to be introduced to consumers and Industry is the evolution of a regenerative circular economy. As humans, we take from the natural world for our structures, objects and food, but what are we giving back to the world by increasing greenhouse gases from our industries, dumping unwanted items into landfill pollution and infesting natural ecosystems with microplastics? On a lighter note, Symbiosis biomaterials are an innovation from our waste, most specifically food waste. Our first material is curated from fruit pulp sourced from a local canteen called ‘Ideya’ in Brighton's north lanes. Our business structure has been questioned: who can you trust in our uncertain world? You can trust us. Our driving force is to provide a functional, sustainable solution for the fashion industry. Their business model is built on a foundation of trust, rooted in our dedication to delivering genuinely sustainable solutions for the fashion industry. Unlike those who merely slap a "green" label on their products, Symbiosis is committed to refining processes and details, guided by an understanding of environmental science.
"Symbiosis" reflects the brand's commitment to fostering mutualistic relationships. Just as coral and algae thrive in symbiosis, Symbiosis envisions a world where humans coexist harmoniously with nature, benefiting mutually from this relationship. At first glance, coral may appear as rocks or plants but are, in fact, marine animals; when the coral has no algae, the animal is very pale, consequently turning white due to losing its primary source of food and being more susceptible to disease. With the algae, the animal flourishes with bright colours and acts as a neighbourhood for various marine life. Symbiosis is defined as an…
“interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both.”
By taking responsibility for food waste and repurposing it into unique textiles, Symbiosis demonstrates a tangible commitment to environmental stewardship. We need a relationship that benefits the environment as it has given so much to our modern world. For humans to fit the balance of the natural world and have some control over climate change, we need to start acting in symbiosis. We want to take responsibility for our food waste and work on unique textiles and materials from this waste product. Trust is paramount in an uncertain world, and Symbiosis earns it through transparency and integrity. Working in hospitality, the shock I have at the end of every shift regarding how much food waste a single business can create motivates me to expand my materials library, which is coming in the future.
Collaborative working is essential for the succession of our material; understanding natural structures/ ecosystems to preserve them gives solutions to climate instability. Recently, I went on a seagrass sediment sampling excursion with my partner as an extra pair of hands. I felt tranquil after barely being able to walk wearing the waders and being covered in sediment after a couple of hours. Being surrounded by sprouting wildlife, moss-covered rocks, and untouched wildlife reminded me of the importance of preserving our natural world. Nature has inspired fashion, architecture, medicine, art, and many other fields and has a direct connection to improving mental health, so how has it become so hard to preserve it? From corrupt business structures, greenwashing, unethical practices, and mass production, but that’s not your responsibility. At this point, we can focus on what is in our control: recycling/composting, investing in ethical businesses, doing research, reducing and reusing.
