Saudi Arabia has selected Spanish textile research and development company PYRATEX as its innovation partner for a new bio-textile initiative that converts Red Sea seaweed into high-quality, sustainable textile fibers, reinforcing the Kingdom’s push to lead advanced materials development under Vision 2030.
The project is led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) through its Beacon Development department, with support from Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission. By focusing on the responsible use of local marine resources, the initiative places Saudi Arabia at the center of scientific research, material innovation and future commercialization.
Marine algae are surveyed and harvested from the Red Sea using non-chemical methods designed to protect marine ecosystems and preserve bioactive properties, according to project partners. The locally sourced biomass forms the foundation of the research and highlights Saudi Arabia’s role in upstream innovation and environmental stewardship.
Saudi Arabia chose PYRATEX as its innovation partner to execute the fiber development process, citing the company’s expertise in advanced textile engineering and sustainable material integration. The algae are transformed in Europe, where PYRATEX incorporates Red Sea algae into Lyocell, producing a traceable, eco-conscious fiber suitable for commercial textile applications.
The collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to move beyond raw resource utilization toward high-value materials and intellectual property creation. By unlocking the potential of Red Sea Sargassum, the project opens new opportunities for Saudi designers, manufacturers and global brands seeking sustainable materials with Middle East provenance.
The final yarn blends Lyocell made with Red Sea algae additives and organic cotton. Project partners describe the material as premium, skin-friendly and fully traceable across the supply chain, with potential uses extending beyond fashion into interiors and technical textiles.
The initiative underscores the Fashion Commission’s role in linking scientific research with the creative economy and reinforces KAUST’s position as a pillar of Saudi research and development. As global demand for sustainable fibers grows, the project positions Saudi Arabia as an emerging leader in bio-textile innovation, supported by selected international technology partners.
