Sequinova, a member of The Greenhouse—Undaunted’s climate innovation accelerator at the Grantham Institute—has introduced the world’s first commercial plant-based sequins. These sustainable sequins debuted during Stella McCartney’s Autumn/Winter 2025 show at Paris Fashion Week, marking a significant milestone in eco-conscious fashion.
Crafted from sustainably sourced wood through a green chemical process, Sequinova’s sequins offer a viable alternative to petroleum-based plastics without sacrificing durability or shine. This breakthrough was showcased on two hand-embroidered mini dresses from McCartney’s collection. For the first time, consumers will have access to garments adorned with bio-based sequins when they become commercially available later this year.
Sequinova is also pioneering high-performance, bio-based colourants by combining plant-derived ingredients with bioengineered microorganism pigments. This innovation aims to replace fossil-derived dyes while maintaining vibrant, long-lasting hues.
The global sequin market, currently valued at nearly $17 billion, is projected to double over the next decade. However, it is also a major contributor to microplastic pollution, with the fashion industry responsible for 35% of the world’s microplastics. Sequinova’s solution directly addresses this environmental challenge.
Co-founder Clare Lichfield stated: “Stella McCartney is a true pioneer and the leading industry reference on next-generation materials. Our partnership with her makes commercial plant-based sequin garments a reality and marks the beginning of a revolution in replacing petroleum-derived plastic sequins, which cause such destruction to our environment.”
A spokesperson for Stella McCartney added: “These sequins are beautiful and radiant, aligned with our vision of never compromising desirability nor sustainability. Having been a PVC-free brand since 2010, this collaboration brings us one step closer to collections that do not harm our community, fellow creatures, and Mother Earth.”
Sequinova’s impact has been recognised in the Manufacturing Futures competition, where it was a runner-up, and as a finalist for the H&M Global Change Award, alongside fellow Undaunted start-ups PulpaTronics and Tera Mira.
