FLOCC: closed-loop cotton flock fibre

Aim

Join us in transforming Madras lace textile clips into cotton flock fibre! Help us scale up processing—your support will make a difference.

Who We Are

We are FLOCC, a collaborative initiative between Scotland and the Netherlands, working with MYB Textiles to transform their unique cotton textile waste clips into natural flock fibre. Natural cotton flock is rarely available in small quantities, making this a unique, sustainable, non-synthetic alternative for textile flocking.

Our small design team includes Sara Robertson and Sarah Taylor (Sara+Sarah Smart Textile Design), Annika Syrjämäki (Maison du Flock), and Margo Graham and Sherry Campbell (MYB Textiles). We are passionate about sustainable innovation in textiles and committed to finding creative solutions that turn textile waste into valuable materials, redefining the possibilities of sustainable design.

Our Idea: Transforming Textile Waste Through Innovation

Our project focuses on converting MYB Textiles' cotton clips into a natural flock fibre. This closed-loop, cellulose-based material can be used in its raw form or processed for electrostatic textile flocking, which creates a soft, short velvet pile on fabric or paper. By exploring this fibre, we aim to develop innovative textile designs that highlight its potential.

FLOCC takes its name from the Italian word floccautura, meaning ‘flocking’ reflects the process at the heart of our work. Our logo, designed by Robin Taylor, features a central ‘O’ to represent Circular Economy and 'Close the Loop' principles, with each letter of FLOCC derived from the shape of that single ‘O’ symbolising our commitment to circular design.

Bringing Our Project to Life – Milan Design Week & Proposte Fair 2025 

In April, we had the exciting opportunity to showcase our work-in-progress as part of the Worth Partnership Project exhibition at Milan Design Week 2025. During May, MYB Textiles will also be presenting the flock fibre and fabric samples at the Proposte Fair, 6–8 May 2025, helping us gather valuable feedback as we continue to refine our product. Your support will help us take the next steps and bring our innovation to even greater audiences.

How Your Support Will Help

We’re on a mission to transform textile waste into beautiful, closed-loop materials—but we need your help to take the next big step!

Our collaboration was kickstarted with generous support from the EU WORTH Partnership Project. That funding has now come to an end, and to keep the development moving forward, to scale up and refine our process we need your support.

With your contribution, we will:

• Process a larger quantity of textile clips into specially milled flock, ready for electrostatic flocking
• Conduct further testing to unlock the fibre’s full potential for textiles
• Continue collaborating as a full team, combining our diverse expertise to develop a small textile collection based on our prototypes

Your Support Will Directly Fund:

• Material Processing – Refining and preparing cotton flock fibre for textiles, including processing 40kg of clips for electrostatic flocking
• Research & Development – Testing and improving the fibre’s performance and usability
• Flocked Lace Textile Collection – A bespoke textile range that explores the natural synergy between flock and lace

Our Funding Goal

We aim to raise £10,000 to continue building momentum on the R&D already underway. We have a working proof of concept; your support will help us refine it and fully develop the cotton flock fibre and fabric collection.

If we exceed our target, we will:

• Explore additional end uses for the textile clips
• Produce a batch of flocked paper in collaboration with a heritage papermaker, with whom we’ve already conducted successful initial tests
• Expand our research into different flock qualities for varied applications

All additional funds will go directly towards further research and material development.

Please Join Us on This Journey!

If you're excited about the potential of natural flock fibre for textiles, paper, or other creative applications, we invite you to be part of our journey. Your support is vital—it will keep the project moving forward and help shape our ideas.

Choose From One of Our Super-Duper Rewards 

Just added! Don’t miss our brand-new handmade paper reward:

Handmade Paper from Madras Lace Waste
Be among the first to use our beautiful handmade paper, crafted entirely from waste cotton clips collected after the weaving of Madras lace. Created in collaboration with the heritage team at the Paper Foundation in the Lake District, this paper reflects the quality and care of two long-established craft traditions — honouring the heritage and craftsmanship of both MYB Textiles and the Paper Foundation. You can choose from two new rewards: a single sheet or a set of five sheets.

A Heartfelt Thank You
Receive a heartfelt thank-you email and a digital link to a behind-the-scenes video about MYB Textiles.

A Lace Badge
Get a thank-you email, video link, and a handmade lace badge—crafted from faulty or misprinted lace that would otherwise go to waste.
Each badge is approx. 5.5cm in diameter and completely unique—a lucky dip surprise, made with love and delivered to your door!
(Image shown is a representation—every badge will be different.)

Cotton Flock Fibre – Ecru (100g)
Be among the first to use our cotton flock fibre for your own creative projects. Includes a 100g pack of ecru and grey electrostatic flock fibre, a PDF with instructions, and useful links.
(Early batches are higher in cost due to small-scale processing; prices will decrease as we scale.)

Be Part of Our History – Wall of Supporters
Along with a thank-you email and video link, your name will be proudly displayed at the MYB Mill—forever part of our legacy.

Mega Rewards

MYB Mill Tour & FLOCC Showcase (Scotland)
Enjoy a guided tour of the historic MYB Mill with Margo Graham or Sherry Campbell. Explore the heritage lace machinery, the FLOCC project, and the Mill Shop.
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours

Design Your Own Lace (Scotland)
Take part in a relaxed, hands-on workshop with Margo and Sherry. Learn about lace and Madras design and create your own concept.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
These experiences will be available on Thursdays in September 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed).

Super MEGA Special Rewards

New! Flock Printing Workshop | Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh

Join the Sara Robertson, Sarah Taylor and Annika Syrjamaki for a hands-on cotton-flock printing workshop set in the stunning surroundings of Dovecot Studios, a world-renowned tapestry studio and a hub for contemporary art, craft, and design.

Discover the unique process of flock printing and create your own artwork using our cotton flock fibre and handmade paper developed in collaboration with the Paper Foundation — crafted entirely from MYB’s own cotton waste. Your finished flocked paper is yours to take home, ready to frame or gift.

The workshop lasts approximately 3 hours and includes all materials.
Date & Time: Saturday, 11 October 2025, from 10am to 1pm.

Flock Printing Masterclass (The Hague, Netherlands)
Join Annika Syrjämäki in her studio for a half-day masterclass. Learn bespoke textile flocking techniques and take home your own printed cotton flock fabric.
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Held in September 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed).

We Come to You – Flock Printing Masterclass (UK or Netherlands)
We’ll bring our cotton flock printing masterclass directly to you and your team (up to 10 participants). All materials provided—just supply a suitable space.
Ideal for creative teams, sustainability advocates, or educational groups.
(Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss logistics.)

Bespoke Design Development
Have a project or design idea using cotton flock fibre? Let’s collaborate! This reward includes:

• Expert guidance throughout your design development
• Co-creative sessions to refine your concept
• Custom-made prototype samples
  Perfect for designers, collectives, or brands seeking to explore a new closed-loop material.

(Please contact us directly to discuss this reward.)

Thank you for supporting FLOCC!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made