Billi London launches world’s first enhanced biodegradable tights

by Startacus Admin

Each year, a reported 2 billion pairs of tights are produced, worn once and discarded. Step forward, Billi London who has launched the world’s first enhanced biodegradable tights.
Decomposing in less than five years in landfill versus traditional tights requiring anywhere from 40 to 100 years, Billi London is the first brand to create revolutionary tights with enhanced biodegradability, drastically reducing the harm that tights have on the planet.
Created in the UK by two French entrepreneurs, Sophie Billi-Hardwick and Marie Bouhier, the biodegradable tights are sustainably and ethically produced in Italy and will be available via a bi-monthly subscription model, delivered directly to the consumer’s door.
Sophie Billi-Hardwick said:
‘‘Women have accepted that tights are not far from being a single use garment and they robotically dispose of their ripped tights, without realising the impact that this has on the environment: it is how it has always been and it is how it will always be.’
The co-founders have been working with a yarn supplier able to apply an enhanced biodegradability formula to nylon without losing its features and quality.
Its special composition, under anaerobic landfill conditions will make it easier for bacteria to reach and digest the discarded tights, thus accelerating its biodegradation process.
And so far, it seems their target audience is happy to give their innovative solution the leg-up it needs to kick-start their ambition.
Their initial Billi London collection launched on the reward based crowdfunding platform Ulule, on May 15th 2020 and reached 100% in 24 hours, meaning they are now a step closer to their long term goal.
Congrats to Sophie and Marie and we look forward to seeing how their biodegradable tights brand continues to grow.
If you like the sound of this startup, you might also want to read up on:
Stuffstr, an innovative app that is tackling the waste issue within the fashion sector.
Digital supply chain startup, SupplyCompass.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.

Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.

With the UK facing a clear digital skills gap, Amy Caton, Digital Talent and Impact Senior Manager at BT Group shares some insights on what businesses should do to close that divide.

The lowdown on Berlin-based Beazy and its innovative solution that helps teams to plan, produce and deliver creative content and helps businesses to connect with talented content creators.

The lowdown on Fluffy, the app offering dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance to give pet owners peace of mind and support them with their pet care responsibilities.

Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.

Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.

Kingussie High School scoops first place for Junior and Senior categories at this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition.

The lowdown on Manchester-based Arctic Shores and its innovative recruitment solution to help candidate potential count as much as skills and experience.

With the demand for tattoo removal now greater than ever, specialist NAAMA Studios makes a bid for a further £11m in funding.
Published on: 21st May 2020
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Tech Nation report reveals UK Tech could quadruple in value by 2032 with right conditions 23rd Mar 2023 Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
- Neurodiverse learning and training platform Neve shares major six-figure investment opportunity 22nd Mar 2023 Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
- Huckletree opens new London hub for tech companies pioneering Web3 solutions 16th Mar 2023 Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
- OpenSponsorship making its move into the music sector 16th Mar 2023 Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.