An innovative knitwear laboratory focused on future technologies is being developed in Latvia
When people talk about knitwear, most think of clothing. However, modern technologies allow knitwear to be used in a much wider range of applications—from complex seamless products to interior design, architecture, and technical solutions. It was precisely with this idea in mind that Latvian company From Air to Form was founded; it is the only company in the Baltics developing an innovative knitting laboratory. Although the company has been in operation for a relatively short time, it already works with more than ten clients from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Germany, and Hungary, and exports account for an increasingly large share of the company’s business.
The company’s main focus is on the development of new technological solutions, digital product design, materials research, and the potential applications of modern seamless technology. In practice, this means that the company helps designers and apparel brands turn ideas and sketches into finished prototypes, develop technological solutions, and prepare sewing machine programmes so that the products can later be manufactured on an industrial scale.
“We’re interested not so much in the product itself as in how it’s created and what opportunities the technology opens up. Very often, technology itself becomes the main source of competitive advantage,” says company representative Tatjana Miškine.
These days, many European brands are facing the reality that high-quality yarn and beautiful design alone are no longer enough. The market is becoming increasingly competitive, while consumers expect not only aesthetics but also functionality, comfort, durability, and new product features. Therefore, one of the laboratory’s tasks is to help find solutions that go beyond the standard approach to knitwear. This may involve working on product form, new material combinations, complex seamless constructions, or digital design methods that allow for the simulation of a future product’s properties in advance. At the same time, the lab helps fill a market niche, as large manufacturers typically focus on mass production and rarely take on the development of small collections or initial prototypes for emerging designers and brands.
At the same time, From Air to Form does not position itself as a manufacturing company in the traditional sense. The lab is primarily engaged in research, development, and the adaptation of technologies that can later be used in industrial production. The technological solutions developed allow clients to later use these tried-and-tested products and knitting programmes in production elsewhere in Europe.
The company notes that it attracts new clients through both professional advice and recommendations, as well as active participation in international industry events, which help establish new contacts and develop cooperation in foreign markets. In its development, the company also actively utilises the support opportunities provided by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA). “Thanks to the support for start-ups in attracting highly qualified employees, we will be able to achieve our goals much faster,” says Ms Miškine.
Although the company just recently joined the business incubation programme set up at the LIAA Jēkabpils, it has already identified several opportunities to utilise the available resources. “We plan to make the most of the opportunities provided by the incubator—including training and services, as well as various events and the chance to meet entrepreneurs from other industries. Such meetings allow us to gather ideas and gain valuable experience from other companies,” Ms Miškine emphasises.
In the coming years, the company plans to strengthen its presence in foreign markets, with a particular focus on Scandinavia, where there is traditionally high demand for innovative, high-value-added knitwear solutions. At the same time, work is continuing in the laboratory on the development of new materials and technologies. One area of development is the adaptation of exceptionally lightweight and thermally insulating New Zealand possum yarn for industrial production.
The company emphasises that, in the future, the technological knowledge accumulated in the laboratory is intended to be used not only in the fashion industry—new applications are already being sought in other sectors as well, while simultaneously developing collaboration with universities and researchers to create new solutions.
Information material prepared with the support of the European Regional Development Fund
