Sustainable outdoor clothing to protect nature
ETH spin-off dimpora produces sustainable membranes for outdoor clothing that do not pollute nature. Studies have revealed that toxic membrane residues are not just found in remote lakes or mountains, but also in the blood of wild animals such as polar bears.
An interview with Mario Stucki, founder of dimpora AG.
Mario, what gave you the idea to develop sustainable membranes and start your own business with this technology?
In my spare time, I like to be outdoors where I wear functional clothing. During my chemical engineering studies at the ETH, I worked extensively with membranes and I also wrote my master's thesis on this subject. In the process, Prof. Stark and I were alerted by the problem of toxic residues in nature. Greenpeace published a report on this topic as early as 2012. The EU recently issued new regulations in this regard.
In times of Corona, the topic of protective clothing is more important than ever, as it is often made of the same materials, which leave problematic residues. It is important that sustainable alternatives are available.
Answering the question about founding a start-up is easy. In my family, there are many company founders, so it was an obvious decision for me to look at similar paths for myself.
Which advantages do these membranes have? What is the range of applications and can you tell us something about the technology?
Our product is a lamination of the "dimpora membrane" onto textile. The waterproof, breathable and fluorine-free membrane in our first product "dimpora eco purTM" is based on polyurethane. Our process also allows the use of recyclable and/or biodegradable, polymers. The membrane allows the body to breathe and is rain and windproof. It is even possible to apply the membrane directly to an existing jacket or trousers. The textile can be sprayed, printed, painted or dip-coated.
This system avoids loss of membrane function through cutting, sewing and seam taping, and reduces failure testing and waste.
In the "sane membrane" products, the membrane is part of a recyclable laminate in which everything, including the outer fabric and adhesives, can be recycled or, depending on the material, biodegraded.
In addition to outdoor clothing, the membranes can also be used for protective clothing and workwear. It is possible that in the future this material will also be used in agriculture or in the construction industry. We hold a patent on the membranes; currently, there is no other company using this process.
Who are your customers? Are you cooperating with other companies?
Our main customers are outdoor brands that want to offer their customers a sustainable product. Their R&D departments work with us to find solutions for their future sustainable collections. One of our collaboration partners is the Swiss company Rotauf. We are currently producing our first jackets with Rotauf. Further products will soon be available online.
What are the plans for 2020?
We are currently in the middle of the seed-financing round and in the process of finding additional collaboration partners. We are also looking for a new member to join our team of five who can manage the co-ordination of production.
Dimpora team, from left: Lucile Menand, Anna Beltzung and Mario Stucki. Not in the picture are Marine Chavanis and Theresa Haidvogl (Source: Philippe Wiget)
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ETH spin-offs: facts and figures
Since 1996, 437 spin-offs have been founded at ETH Zurich. ETH transfer, the technology transfer office at ETH Zurich, supports recognized ETH spin-offs in the founding process and in their first years of operation.
Pioneer Fellowships
With the help of the Pioneer Fellowship Programme, funded by the ETH Foundation, young researchers can develop innovative products and services based on their scientific work at ETH Zurich. A Pioneer Fellowship is awarded to young ETH entrepreneurial minds intending to develop a highly innovative product or service to be exploited commercially and/or for the benefit of society.