They said a non-technical background was a liability in textile innovation. They were wrong. In the south of Sweden, Sara Rosberg has turned industry skepticism into fuel for transformation, creating one of the most exciting breakthroughs in sustainable textiles.
As the Founder and CEO of Transforming Textiles AB, she masterminds Sense-Tex – a revolutionary smart yarn technology that’s earning accolades from New York’s Material Connexion and catching the eye of space technology experts. It’s a testament to how outsider perspectives can shake up traditional industries, especially when backed by unwavering determination and a clear vision for change.
In an era where the textile industry faces mounting pressure to clean up its act, Sara is weaving together an entirely new narrative – quite literally – by reimagining the very fabric of the industry. She is proving that innovation often springs from seeing old problems through fresh eyes – and having the courage to challenge an industry’s deep-rooted assumptions.
Sara’s groundbreaking mindset continues to redefine possibilities in the textile industry, inspiring us at IMPAAKT to once again honor her as one of our Power Women 2025. Intrigued by her unwavering belief that textiles can transcend their basic purpose—to heal, empower, and inspire—we sat down with her for an exclusive conversation.
Here are some thought-provoking excerpts from our interview:
Sara Rosberg,As a female innovator and entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated space, what has been your journey like?
Embarking on this journey has been a mix of challenges, solutions, setbacks and triumphs. Entering a field where leadership roles are predominantly held by men meant I often had to work harder to have my ideas taken seriously—especially since I don’t have a formal technical background. There were times when my contributions were questioned, not because of their merit or value, but due to preconceived notions about who is “qualified” to innovate or lead.
However, these experiences taught me something profound: innovation isn’t limited to specific genders, degrees, or places. Innovation, and progress, belong to everyone. Passion, curiosity, and being an agile problem solver can take you far. I didn’t aim to convince sceptics directly; instead, I let my work speak for itself—not to prove anyone wrong, but out of a desire to make tomorrow better than today.
I encourage everyone to embrace being new at something—it’s the best way to learn and grow. The world needs diverse ideas, no matter your background or starting point. Building an inclusive team was also key. I know I have the right people around me when gender or biases are never a factor—we operate as one, focused solely on the shared mission.
The textile industry is integral to our lives but fraught with challenges. What inspired you to take on such a monumental task of transforming this sector?
My inspiration was born from a desire to tackle urgent environmental issues. The textile industry is essential, but its environmental impact—overuse of resources, pollution, and harmful chemicals—is significant. I realized that developing sustainable alternatives could address these challenges while paving the way for a healthier future.
Sense-Tex, which combines natural fibers with conductive materials, isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s multifunctional. It addresses environmental challenges while offering diverse applications, both for everyday life and in advanced fields like space exploration. By focusing on solving specific problems, I inadvertently found myself leading a transformation in an industry I deeply care about.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a crucial role in accelerating these ideas. While sitting at my mother’s deathbed, I reflected deeply on the legacy she left as a person and her values, as well as my own. This urgency pushed me to bring Sense-Tex to life sooner than expected, hoping it would help her, but I did not make it in time before she passed. Sense-Tex is in many ways just like my Mother, strong, resilient, and protects you from harm and keeps you safe.
Grief can feel overwhelming, and we all cope in different ways. But we all share the experience during our lives, which unites us through our pain. Creating connections we might otherwise have not had. Someone once said, “Grief is just Love with nowhere to go”, and that struck me to the core, but also helped me heal.
You’ve mentioned the “silence culture” in the textile industry. Can you elaborate on this and how you are breaking that silence through innovation?
At Transforming Textiles, we are committed to breaking this silence through innovation and openness. For example, Sense-Tex is produced without harmful chemicals, and we openly share its composition, testing processes, and research. This transparency encourages consumers, industry players, and policymakers to make informed, responsible choices. When you shine a light on the problem and show it can be solved, others feel inspired to do the same.
Sense-Tex is a groundbreaking invention. How did the idea for this smart yarn-thread technology come to life? Also, what challenges did you face while developing it, and how did you overcome them?
Sense-Tex was born from a simple observation: textiles are essential to our daily lives, yet their production often harms both the planet and people. They can and should work to benefit health but do the opposite. I envisioned a fabric that could enhance health, reduce harm, and serve multiple technical functions.
Sense-Tex is a unique blend of five fibers: two conductive materials (silver and zinc Smartcel) and three natural fibers (soybean, SeaCell algae, and ramie). This combination results in a fabric that is health-enhancing, free from harmful chemicals, and protective against viruses and bacteria. It also functions as a “canvas,” enabling tech and sensor integration for applications like health monitoring, similar to wearable devices.
Developing this technology wasn’t easy. Balancing five fibers while maintaining durability and functionality required extensive research and collaboration. We worked with Turkish yarn manufacturers (Kipas), fabric producers (Özen Mensucat), garment makers (Fetih Tekstil), and experts in engineering and space technology. Together, we achieved something incredible—a multifunctional fabric optimized for both Earth and space. This effort earned us the prestigious Seal of Excellence from Material Connexion in NYC, which we are very proud of.
Looking ahead, we are now working actively with R&D with our new space circularity project called Re:Weave, which is advancing how we will produce and recycle textiles in space, based on the Sense-Tex technology. It’s a continuous journey, but one that’s deeply rewarding, and will benefit both earth and space and our future. In February we are presenting our Re:Weave project proposal at the ESA (European Space Agency) Harmonisation Conference in Haag, and representing Sweden through Rymdstyrelsen (Swedish National Space Agency). It is a great honour and we look forward to it. We see the Re:Weave project as a global project, that fosters collaborations between nations, and promotes inclusivity and societal benefit for all.
How does Sense-Tex contribute to the concept of a no-waste textile economy, and what impact do you foresee it having on global sustainability efforts?
Sense-Tex was designed with circularity in mind. Its unique composition supports a novel mechanical recycling process we’re developing at Transforming Textiles in the Re:Weave project together with the Space industry as a dual-use technology. This novel process allows the fibers in Sense-Tex to be separated and reused to create new textiles, reducing waste and dependency on virgin materials.
Our goal is to achieve full circularity by 2030, optimizing this process for both Earth and space. With new EU regulations in place as of January 2025, the textile industry faces financial consequences for failing to comply with sustainability standards. Sense-Tex is already aligned with these regulations, offering a solution that minimizes waste, conserves resources, and reduces water and chemical use.
Globally, technologies like Sense-Tex can significantly lower the environmental footprint of textiles while promoting a healthier, more sustainable planet. It’s a key driver in the transformation we urgently need (and have not been able to start before, due to lack of funding), which is why we are now focused on our Re:Weave project in 2025, to research and optimize the technology within ESA to be as sustainable and technologically efficient as possible. On earth, circularity and sustainability is an option, whereas in space is a necessity.
What role does self-expression through fashion play in your vision of a new textile economy?
Fashion is one of the most powerful tools for self-expression, and I believe sustainability should enhance, not limit, that. Sense-Tex offers designers and consumers the opportunity to create and wear garments that align with their values while still being stylish and functional.
The fabric’s versatility allows it to serve as a medium for creativity while ensuring that every piece contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future. Fashion can remain a vibrant form of identity while embracing circularity and responsibility.
What is your long-term vision for the textile industry, and how do you see Transforming Textiles AB leading the way?
I envision a future where textiles are fully circular, free from harmful chemicals, and beneficial to both human health and the planet. This vision extends beyond Earth—imagine materials that are just as functional in space exploration as they are in daily life.
At Transforming Textiles AB, we are committed to making this vision a reality. By developing patented technologies like Sense-Tex, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and setting new sustainability standards, we aim to show that innovation and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
The challenges we face—climate change, resource scarcity, and waste—demand bold solutions. With courage and collaboration, we can lead this transformation and inspire others to join us. Not just from the scientific community but from the creative industry as well. If you as a reader wish to help us raise awareness for Sense-Tex and Re:Weave through Film, Fashion, or Music, or if you have other promoting ideas that could help us, we would love to hear from you! If you are from any other industry and wish to contribute or collaborate in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out. As we operate and collaborate across many verticals, no industry or person is irrelevant, and we look forward to hearing from all of you! Together we can move into a more sustainable, circular and hopeful future, for textiles, space, and beyond. Email us at info@transformingtextiles.com! We look forward to hearing from you.
What message would you give to people who aspire to lead and innovate in industries ripe for transformation?
- Focus on solving real problems. Innovation isn’t about disrupting, for disruption’s sake—it’s about creating meaningful impact.
- Build diverse teams. Include voices that are often overlooked. Collaboration and inclusivity are key to breakthrough solutions.
- Stay resilient. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities to learn and grow.
- Take the first step. Change starts small but grows when driven by passion and purpose.
- Your ideas, no matter where they come from, are needed now more than ever. The world is ready for transformative leaders—it is now up to you to make it happen.
Join IMPAAKT in celebrating visionary leaders—share your story, connect with changemakers, and drive meaningful impact!
