Vega aims to help brands realise a low-inventory, nearshore and automated supply-chain for woven products, which represent 57% of the total apparel market and Unspun says the funding will help fuel the rapid scaling of this 3D weaving technology.
The funding round was led by DCVC, with participation from Lowercarbon Capital, E12, Decathlon and SOSV.
Vega takes thousands of yarns and weaves them into garments in minutes, allowing for (almost) zero-waste, on-demand manufacturing. This technology unlocks scalable on-demand or low-inventory production.
3D weaving drastically shortens supply chains and lead times so brands and manufacturers can plug these machines into existing supply chains for localised and automated production. This opportunity allows traditional cut-make-trim facilities to vertically integrate operations, offering a faster (four times), cleaner (53% emissions reduction, 49% reduced energy demand and a 39% reduced blue water consumption), more efficient (less than 3% cut waste, compared to the industry average of 15%), and a more agile supply chain that is more responsive to market demands.
Unspun says there is demand for the technology from major brands and retailers seeking more sustainable and efficient manufacturing solutions amid growing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for supply chain transparency and sustainability.
Recently, Unspun signed a multi-year agreement with Walmart. The project aims to localise parts of Walmart's manufacturing and promote a higher level of supply chain traceability in North America.
DCVC general partner Milo Werner who will join Unspun's board of directors said: “Unspun offers a tremendous economic and logistical unlock for the fashion industry by eliminating costly overproduction and radically shortening the supply chain. We think it's good business to align profits and climate impact and are excited to help Unspun revolutionise the way clothing is made.”
The company explains that in Europe, where new rules proposing production limits and waste bans are under consideration, local-for-local manufacturing enabled by Unspun's technology “provides a clear competitive edge for compliance”.
