Everbloom built an AI to turn chicken feathers into cashmere

In recent years, cashmere sweaters have flooded the market at surprisingly low prices, attracting consumers with their renowned softness and warmth. However, these bargain deals often come with hidden downsides. Cashmere, sourced from the fine undercoats of specific goat breeds, is limited in supply. A single goat typically yields only four to six ounces (113 to 170 grams) of cashmere each year from two annual shearings, which is insufficient to meet rising demand. Sim Gulati, co-founder and CEO of Everbloom, highlighted the challenges faced by raw material producers. "The producers of raw materials are actually under a lot of stress," he explained. The proliferation of cashmere sweaters priced around $50 has led to more frequent shearing, resulting in compromised fiber quality and unsustainable herding practices. Instead of attempting to reform these practices or persuading consumers to opt for premium cashmere, Everbloom has taken an innovative approach. The startup, which has secured over $8 million in funding from investors like Hoxton Ventures and SOSV, aims to develop an upcycled material that closely resembles authentic cashmere. To achieve this, Everbloom has introduced an AI-driven material science tool named Braid.AI. This technology allows for the fine-tuning of various parameters to produce fibers that mimic not only cashmere but also other popular materials in the textile sector. The production process involves sourcing waste from the fiber supply chain, including farms, mills, and down bedding suppliers. Plans are underway to incorporate additional waste sources, such as poultry feathers, into their operations. The common thread among these waste materials is keratin, the protein fundamental to Everbloom's innovative process. The company processes the waste by shredding it and mixing it with proprietary compounds. This mixture is then shaped using a plastic extrusion machine, which is standard in producing textile fibers. Gulati noted, "That equipment is used for 80% of the textile market. You have to be a drop-in replacement." Everbloom's approach involves conducting all necessary chemical reactions within these machines, allowing them to create fibers that can imitate everything from polyester to cashmere. The startup claims that all fibers produced will be biodegradable, including their polyester alternatives. Gulati emphasized the environmental advantages of using waste products, which significantly reduce ecological impact. Moreover, Everbloom is committed to making its materials economically accessible. Gulati asserted, "I don’t believe in a ‘sustainable premium’"—the notion that eco-friendly options should carry a higher price tag. He emphasized that for a material to thrive in both the supply chain and among consumers, it must offer both performance and economic benefits. This dual focus is central to Everbloom's mission.