Canussa and CQ Studio introduce Bio-Skin, a fully compostable bag developed under the European Union initiative, WORTH. This project sets a new standard in sustainable fashion by using locally sourced and biodegradable materials.
Meet Cassie Quinn and its regenerative textile lab CQ Studio
Cassie Quinn is the founder and creative director of CQ Studio, an award-winning regenerative textile lab based in London. She initiated this project to use innovative techniques to support a more sustainable fashion industry. With a background in Biodesign at Central Saint Martin’s Living System Lab, Cassie combines traditional textile skills with cutting-edge biomaterial research.
CQ Studio is dedicated to providing recycled and bio-based materials that enhance the uniqueness and sustainability of fashion accessories. This aligns perfectly with Canussa’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, creating products that merge contemporary style with responsible design.
CQ Studio's activities and the recognitions achieved
CQ Studio pioneers regenerative and local textiles by transforming waste into innovative materials. Their patent-pending Detox Bio-Embellishments utilizes mushrooms to clean wastewater, while Inflaxuation Bio-Leather explores new ways of processing flax. By incorporating techniques like hand embroidery, biomaterial exploration, and plant pigment extraction, CQ Studio continuously pushes the boundaries of sustainable design.
Beyond R&D, CQ Studio actively engages with the fashion community by conducting sustainability workshops for organizations like Soho House and the V&A Museum. Their contributions have been recognized with awards from the EU Commission, Arts Council, and Innovate UK. Thanks to these credits and features in Wallpaper Magazine, Vogue Business and Future Fabrics Expo, CQ Studio remains motivated to keep redefining the limits of sustainable design.
Algae Black and Madder Root: pigments used in the studio
On the one hand, Algae Black, developed by Living Ink, is a carbon-negative pigment derived from algae, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based inks. Living Ink founders’ innovation, Steve and Scott, transformed biomass waste into eco-friendly pigments, making them a global leader in bio-based inks.
On the other hand, Madder is a perennial plant for the Rubiaceae family, same as the coffee. It sprouts in April, growing up to 100 cm with prickly leaves and pale-yellow flowers. By autumn, its berries darken and dry, while the plant appears dormant through winter. Historically, Madder has been a crucial source of natural red dye, providing a biodegradable and non-toxic alternative to synthetic colorants.
Introduction of the flax industry
Flax is a highly sustainable textile source, requiring no irrigation and minimal pesticides due to its natural antibacterial properties. Known for its fibres’ strength and durability, flax was once a thriving industry in the UK and Ireland but now constitutes only 1% of the global fibre market.
Bast plants, like flax, support regenerative agriculture by enhancing biodiversity and restoring soil health, which in turn supports the improvement of the future crop yields. Their strong, durable fibres are commonly used in resistant fabrics and ropes, offering excellent insulation, lightweight properties, and versatility.
Sustainability is embedded in every step of the material production—from water-efficient fiber growth to waste utilization, non-toxic ingredients, and biodegradable finishes. Their technical finishes ensure waterproofing, durability, and aesthetic appeal without plastic or PU coatings.
Collaboration between Canussa Lab and CQ Studio: Bio-Skin project
Canussa, in collaboration with CQ Studio, presents Bio-Skin, a pioneering project under the WORTH initiative. Our goal is to develop a fully compostable bag that blends biodesign, craftsmanship, and contemporary style, using locally sourced materials to drive sustainable innovation.
That is how Bio-Skin was born, a fusion of innovation and sustainability, redefining the future of eco-friendly fashion.
CQ Studio establishes and maintains close and collaborative relationships with eco-conscious designers seeking sustainable material options for their products. This ensures that our materials not only support innovation in fashion but also foster a broader movement towards responsible design choices.
Through this partnership, Canussa and CQ Studio, are leading the shift toward biodegradable materials. Bio-Skin positions us at the forefront of circular innovation, paving the way for a new standard in sustainable design. With the right support, we can scale production and bring this revolutionary material to market.
