Nanollose Limited announced that it has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Grasim Industries Limited (Grasim) to exclusively develop, and commercialise Nanollose's Tree-Free fibres including nullarbor and nufolium. The collaboration will provide Nanollose with industrial partner with the ability to accelerate development and commercialisation and provide a manufacturing foundation for future textile and clothing brands that uptake Nanollose's Tree-Free fibres. An industrial fibre manufacturer was the last missing link needed to complete Nanollose's waste to textile value chain.

Under the Agreement, Nanollose and Grasim will contribute in-kind materials and services, and share knowledge and IP around microbial cellulose and its conversion into fibre. The parties will work together exclusively to further refine and develop the process to enable fibre production on Grasim's pilot spinning line at the tonne scale. Both Nanollose and Grasim will jointly own any new IP generated in the project.

Once successful pilot scale production at Grasim has been achieved, Nanollose and Grasim aim to enter into a subsequent agreement for the exclusive production of Tree-Free fibres from microbial cellulose on a commercial scale. The term of the Agreement is up to three years, with either party being able to terminate without penalty by giving six months written notice. The combination of Nanollose's Tree-Free cellulose fibre technology, along with Grasim's sustainability initiatives, has the potential to make this union one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable fibre offerings on the market.

Securing Grasim as a commercial fibre manufacturer and having access to existing industrial assets and infrastructure to support development is transformative for Nanollose. The scale of Grasim's pilot facilities will enable trial productions of hundreds of kilograms to tonne quantities of fibre. In addition to testing and refining the technology, it is envisaged that it will provide enough nullarbor fibre for future apparel brands to create small collections of clothing.

Both companies aim to work together to optimise the entire end-to-end process for optimum commercial uptake of Nanollose's Tree-Free fibres.