All that glisters in fashion can also be sustainable. Sequinova, the London-based biomaterials startup, unveiled its “revolutionary” plant-based sequins at Stela McCartney’s Autumn/Winter 2025 Paris Fashion Week runway show.

And the collaboration marks “the world’s first commercial use of plant-based sequins… offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived plastics, without compromising on performance or shine”.

Sequinova’s sequins, which debuted on two of McCartney’s hand-embroidered mini dresses, will be commercially available later this year, the first time that customers will be able to purchase bio-based sequin garments.

Its flagship sequins are derived from sustainably-sourced wood and utilise a green chemical process. And by combining plant-based ingredients with bioengineered microorganism pigments, Sequinova is also developing high-performance, bio-based colours optimised to replace fossil-derived colourants.

Citing a global sequin market that’s expected to be valued at almost $17 billion and expected to nearly double over the next decade, Sequinova says it’s a major contributor to microplastic pollution, with the fashion industry responsible for 35% of the world’s microplastics . 

So Sequinova’s innovation “provides a much-needed solution to this pressing environmental and global health issue”, it says.

Clare Lichfield, co-founder of the firm, added: “Stella McCartney is a true pioneer and is the leading industry reference on next-generation materials. Our partnership with her makes commercial plant-based sequin garments a reality and marks the beginning of a revolution in the replacement of petroleum-derived plastic sequins, which cause such destruction to our environment.”

A spokesperson for the Stella McCartney brand added: “These sequins are beautiful and radiant, aligned with our vision of never compromising desirability nor sustainability. Having been a PVC-free brand since 2010, this colaboration brings us one step closer to collections that do not harm our community, fellow creatures and Mother Earth.”