About Kelsun

Kelsun™ yarn is seaweed-based and has a significantly lower environmental footprint than conventional fibers. Created using an abundant biopolymer found in kelp, Kelsun harnesses the renewable power of our ocean's resources.

Kelp is one of the most regenerative organisms on our planet and absorbs carbon dioxide in the ocean, similar to trees on land. Growing kelp is a win for us and for the planet, resulting in cleaner, improved marine habitats and ecosystems and less carbon in our air and water.

We pair kelp's biopolymers with green chemistry to create proprietary, drop-in solutions for existing yarn and textile production infrastructure. Our process is grounded in the use and creation of clean, non-toxic inputs and outputs, minimizing our footprint while maximizing the positive impact on our planet.

The end result is Kelsun, a bio-based material that can be used across the textile industry.

Our process is grounded in the use and creation of clean, non-toxic inputs and outputs, minimizing our footprint while maximizing the positive impact on our planet.

The end result is Kelsun, a bio-based material that can be used across the textile industry.

From fronds, to fibers,
to the future of fabric.

In a name, Kelsun

In shipbuilding, the kelson is the reinforcing structure supporting the keel.

As our first product, Kelsun is the backbone of Keel Labs™: harnessing the natural power of aquatic ecosystems to transform the textile industry and the world.

At Keel Labs, we are inspired by the poet Walt Whitman who penned the phrase: "And that a kelson of the creation is love." For Keel Labs, Kelsun is our labor of love to create a cleaner world where humans can live in consonance with nature.

What is Kelsun?

Kelsun™ yarn is seaweed-based and has a significantly lower environmental footprint than legacy fibers.

Created using an abundant biopolymer found in kelp, Kelsun harnesses the renewable and regenerative power of the ocean.

Kelsun is
the new natural.

Why kelp?

Kelp is one of the most regenerative organisms on our planet and can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate up to five times faster than land-based plants.

Growing kelp is a win for us, and a win for the planet, resulting in cleaner, improved marine habitats and ecosystems and less carbon in our air and water.

Where can Kelsun be used?

Kelsun can be used wherever yarns and textiles have an application. This includes the fashion industry, with applications in garments and accessories, but also to other industries such as home furnishings, interiors, and automotive.

Is Kelsun plant-based?

Kelsun is derived from kelp, which is a type of seaweed. While technically not a plant, seaweed has a similar structure (for example, blades instead of leaves) to land-based plants, and in the right conditions, can grow between 12-18 inches per day.

From kelp to Kelsun.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

1

We start with kelp

Our process starts with kelp. We chose this raw material due to its versatility, resiliency, and wide-ranging ecological benefits. Kelp is an active combatant against climate change, sequestering CO2 in the ocean as it grows – in ideal conditions, kelp can grow up to 18 inches per day! Kelp also actively combats ocean acidification, restoring balance to marine wildlife and ecosystems alike. With kelp as our input, we are able to work with a readily available resource that is renewable, regenerative, and simply good for the environment.

2

Harvesting

We source our kelp from growers and extraction partners across several coastal locations.

The kelp we source is harvested under strict sustainability guidelines, complying with local harvesting calendars and quantities. After harvest, kelp is dried and cut into small pieces to be cured.

Once cured, kelp goes through an extraction process that separates, presses, and dries the kelp into a biopolymer that becomes the basis of Kelsun.

3

Material production

Using biopolymers sourced from kelp, we leverage green chemistry to create a patented, drop-in solution for existing yarn and textile production infrastructure. Our process is grounded in the use and creation of clean, non-toxic inputs and outputs, minimizing our footprint while maximizing the impact of our technology.

4

Our product

The end result is Kelsun, a bio-based material that synthesizes impact and sustainability. Kelsun is a versatile, multifunctional yarn that can be used in replacement of legacy fibers across the fashion industry, from footwear, to accessories, to garments, and beyond.

Where is Kelsun made?

Kelsun is being developed by Keel Labs, whose headquarters is in North Carolina. We work with partners around the world to help transition their existing supply chains into compatible systems that work with our materials.

Where can I buy Kelsun?

We are working hard to bring Kelsun to the world. As we scale, we are working with brands and partners to ensure that Kelsun is the most sustainable it can be.

This process takes time, and we look forward to sharing more with you as we continue to learn and grow.

In the meantime, be the first to know about our latest insights, updates, and product releases by signing up for our newsletter here.