Seaweed Fabric Prototypes Target Waterproof Outdoor Gear
Norrøna and Uluu are prototyping seaweed-based waterproof apparel, a research-stage step toward replacing petroleum-based synthetics.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Materials Science
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Norrøna, a Norwegian outdoor brand, has partnered with Uluu, an Australian materials startup, to develop outdoor apparel textiles derived from seaweed. Uluu has melt-spun its seaweed material into yarn and fabric using established manufacturing processes, and the companies are at the prototyping stage for waterproof and windproof garments; this is a research and prototype-stage development, not a commercially available product.
Why it matters
The partnership targets reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based polyester and nylon, which shed persistent microplastics. Uluu is also investigating whether its materials can be produced using kelp farmed in Norway, a step that would test whether European seaweed can supply high-performance textile inputs.
The reported details are qualitative: Uluu has spun its seaweed material into yarn and fabric using established manufacturing processes, and the companies are prototyping waterproof and windproof apparel. No performance benchmarks, durability tests or cost comparisons against polyester or nylon were disclosed.
The players
Norrøna
A Norwegian outdoor brand known for developing Europe's first GORE-TEX jacket prototype in 1977.
Uluu
An Australian materials startup that makes biodegradable textiles from carbon-sequestering seaweed.
The details
Uluu's material is made from carbon-sequestering seaweed and is designed to biodegrade naturally. Because it was melt-spun, meaning the material is melted and extruded into fibers, the company could use manufacturing equipment already built for conventional synthetic yarns rather than new processes. The companies are applying that yarn to waterproof and windproof garment prototypes.
Timeline
1977: Norrøna develops Europe's first GORE-TEX jacket prototype.
Approximately 2026: Norrøna invests in next-generation textiles through its joint agreement with Uluu.
November 3, 2026: The partnership is reported.
The Tech Race
Norrøna's 1977 GORE-TEX prototype established its early position in engineered waterproof outdoor fabrics. The Uluu partnership places the brand in a newer contest over whether seaweed-based fibers can match fossil-fuel synthetics in performance apparel.
No commercial availability, pricing or launch date for Norrøna or Uluu apparel has been announced, so consumers cannot yet buy these garments. The partnership is at the prototype stage, and any product timeline remains unannounced.
The takeaway
The partnership shows whether seaweed fibers can reach the performance bar of fossil-based outdoor textiles. Watch for published waterproofness or durability results from the Norrøna-Uluu prototypes and for any announcement on sourcing Norwegian-farmed kelp.
Further reading
For background on the chemistry behind these fibers, see the Materials Science section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Greatreporter -.
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