Keel Labs, begun as AlgiKnit in 2017, officially became KeelLabs in 2022. AlgiKnit was extremely functional in name and vision and used algae to make sustainable fibers. Keel Labs functions as a platform and a parent for the rising tide of innovation. KeelLabs’ mission is to harness the potential of natural materials to transform the textile industry and the world. The actualization of this mission is steadfastly rooted in the company’s belief that it can transform material science in collaboration with nature and the community.
Keel Labs co-founder and CEO, Tessa Callaghan, said, “The name Keel Labs encompasses our vision of ever expanding horizons, of our commitment to innovation and opportunity. Our work begins with fiber but our responsibility does not end there. We are building a future in which sustainable materials harness the power of our oceans to span industries and applications, repairing humanity’s relationship with our natural ecosystems.”
Philosophy in the name “Keel”
A keel is the structural spine of the ship, from the bow to the stern. A keel balances the ocean and a ship’s forward momentum. On the surface, Keel is pragmatic and functional, and it evokes seafaring and hearkens to navigating rolling waves and endless horizons. Symbolically, the Keel is crucial in staying the course, and it is the centerline that supports the entire ship. Navigating storms and uncertain conditions, the Keel creates balance through adversity, keeping the ship afloat.
Just as the keel of the ship is instrumental in maintaining progress and forward momentum, Keel Labs is at the forefront of the material revolution – conscientiously engineering materials for lower impact on our environment at every stage of design, from development to decomposition. KeelLab uses this philosophy to guide the world to a brighter, more sustainable future.
