Dressed by the Sea

by | 4 Jun 2026 | News

“A huge amount of textiles end up in landfills, and there is a lot of plastic. Every year, humanity discards 92 million tons of textiles. Demand for textiles is increasing with an increase in purchasing and power and population” – Nanna Lín.

Sustainability in fashion is becoming a rising global issue. As fast fashion dominates the market, it creates waste that endangers our oceans. A couple of different companies have found new and innovative ways to utilise the different types of ocean resources to play a role in recycling and reducing waste. Some utilise fish skin to make leather, while others utilise seaweed-based textiles for clothing. By being creative, they are finding new ways to minimise their environmental impacts.
Nanna Lín

Nanna Lín can also replace plastic-blended textiles and help counteract fast fashion. The demand for leather is constantly increasing, and it is necessary to look to the future. Artificial leather or suede is a textile that consists largely of plastic. Production of such materials is extremely polluting. Nanna Lín’s idea is to utilise fish leather to make garments. The leather is manufactured from fish skin and tanned with tree bark. Nanna Lín’s production has not yet begun but we are looking forward to it!

Please check them out here →

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Please check them out here →

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ICYTOS
ICTYOS is a French tannery based in Lyon that upcycles discarded fish skin to make high-quality marine leather. ICTYOS brings traditional French tannery with a sustainable, ecologically friendly process. Their leather is utilised by different brands to help make handbags, clothing, watch straps, wallets, and more. ICTYOS comply with the European REACH standard, ensuring the absence of harmful, toxic or polluting substances throughout the process.
Katla
Katla is an Icelandic clothing brand that commits to environmental conservation. They want to build a brand on the principle that fashion can and should be beautiful and sustainable. Their core fabric categories include organic cotton, seaweed blends, vegan silk, and premium wool & silk yarn blends. These are all chosen for minimal environmental footprint and sustainable production methods.

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The development of fish leather and seaweed-based textiles demonstrates how different companies’ innovations can give aid to the environment but also create new styles for the fashion industry. Nanna Lín and ICTYOS are exploring alternative materials that reduce waste while creating sustainable and high-quality products. By repurposing marine resources that others might turn a blind eye to, these businesses contribute to a more environmentally conscious fashion industry. As sustainability becomes important worldwide, innovations like these play a significant role in shaping the future of textiles and reducing the industry’s environmental impact.