May 21, 2026
The move puts the longtime Seattle politician into a very different world: stain-resistant shirts, sustainable manufacturing, global apparel brands and textile chemistry.
Filium makes a proprietary technology that allows natural fabrics to repel odors, stains and liquids and is billed as a smarter alternative to synthetic fabrics and brands that are marketed toward active people. The company calls itself a modern textile manufacturer that shuns the use of PFAS “forever chemicals.”
May 21, 2026
Filium, a Seattle-based sustainable textile startup…hired Harrell as its CEO, according to a Wednesday news release. Harrell will succeed the company’s founder, Raj Shah.
May 21, 2026
Former Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has moved on from City Hall to the C-suite as a local textile technology company looks to accelerate its global push in sustainable materials… Harrell’s move marks a shift from public office back into the private sector. During his term as mayor, he advanced climate and building-emissions legislation, increased investment in affordable housing and human services, and pursued downtown activation efforts aimed at boosting the pedestrian and public-space experience. He also faced ongoing challenges, including homelessness and shelter capacity, neighborhood impacts of transitional housing, fiscal uncertainty, and rising living and housing costs that fueled tensions across communities.
Sep 30, 2025
“Raj and Akhil Shah founded Filium Corp., a company whose cutting-edge technology turns natural fibers into performance fabrics that is redefining the textile business. By improving cotton, wool, linen, and other fabrics to be water-repellent, stain-resistant, and odor-free, their patent-pending method provides an environmentally beneficial solution that upholds consumer and environmental safety. Both natural and synthetic textiles can benefit from this cutting-edge treatment. Raj Shah, CEO of Filium Corp., stated, “Our dedication to sustainability and innovation drives us to provide eco-friendly solutions that enhance everyday garments while contributing to a healthier planet.” Their in-house sportswear company, Zenkai Sports, which they co-founded with former professional athlete Doug Lynch, served as the technology’s first test subject. Dendrimers, which are molecules that self-organize into highly ordered structures, are the source of inspiration for Filium’s technology. With this structure, the treatment may be applied more effectively, bonding with fabrics to produce long-lasting, fluorine-free results. Clothing may be worn for extended periods of time between washes thanks to the treatment, which improves sweat evaporation and odor resistance without changing the fabric’s look or breathability. The Filium formula conforms with EPA TSCA regulations and has earned eco-certifications from Oeko-Tex, ZDHC, Bluesign, and GOTS. The technology is a sustainable replacement for performance fabrics because it doesn’t include any dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, PVC, or PFAS. Pro athletes and industry leaders like NBA stars Marcus and Markieff Morris and professional golfer Rickie Fowler have already expressed interest in the technology.”
Sep 16, 2025
”We are passionate about the environment and the future of the planet,” Raj Shah said. “We invested years of research and millions of dollars to develop Filium which we believe to be a better, more sustainable performance technology.”
