Modern Meadow introduces Bio-VERA, a sustainable biomaterial it says will revolutionize the leather sector.
Modern Meadow, a purpose-driven biotechnology company, is making waves with its latest innovation: Modern Meadow Bio-VERA. This novel biomaterial is not only sustainable and animal-free but also possesses the appearance, texture, and natural aging characteristics of traditional leather, suede, or chamois.
Powered by the proprietary Modern Meadow Bio-Alloy technology application platform, Bio-VERA is designed to create a positive impact on both people and the planet.
“Modern Meadow Bio-VERA represents a groundbreaking advancement in sustainable materials,” Catherine Roggero-Lovisi, CEO of Modern Meadow, said in a statement. “This non-woven material is engineered to surpass the strength of leather while delivering the authentic look, feel, and wearability of traditional leather. With an extensive range of colors and finishing options, Bio-VERA redefines possibilities in both durability and aesthetics.”
Bio-VERA’s sustainable and solvent-free nature eliminates the need for animal-based inputs and minimizes waste by leveraging renewable and traceable resources.
Modern Meadow is working to pave the way for a more eco-conscious approach to biomaterial production. The company says Bio-VERA is easy to scale with reduced manufacturing complexity and costs. It requires no special preservation or storage conditions, making it a convenient and accessible option for businesses across a range of sectors such as transportation, footwear, and interior design. Moreover, the potential for highly creative ready-to-wear products is boundless, as Bio-VERA unlocks endless design possibilities for fashion designers and creators.
“This cutting-edge biomaterial demonstrates our commitment to driving real-world impact, and we believe it will empower industries to make sustainable choices without compromising quality or style,” said David Williamson, Chief Science & Technology Officer at Modern Meadow.
Modern Meadow’s tech is revolutionizing a number of industries. In January, it revealed tech for sustainable outerwear alongside Singtex. Earlier this month it announced its animal-free collagen in partnership with Evonik.
But it’s alternatives to leather that may offer the biggest benefit to the planet. Animal agriculture is responsible for 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Influential labels have begun to embrace alternatives made from plants and fungi. Danish luxury label Ganni has begun to phase out virgin conventional leather, swapping it for sustainable alternatives. Balenciaga recently launched a mushroom leather coat, and Gucci has been embracing vegan alternatives for years.
Startups are innovating in the leather market, too, with a range of materials including mushroom, cactus, and plant materials. Last month, Indian startup Aamati Green announced the launch of a 30,000-square-meter factory to produce leather out of mango pulp.
“The technology of producing the material from mango pulp can be mechanized and we can make a good quantity of the mango-based sheets in three days, whereas the same quantity of original leather would require more than two weeks to make,” Dr. Thanikaivelan Chief Scientist, CSIR-CLRI told WIO News.
Modern Meadow will unveil Bio-VERA and additional details surrounding the revolutionary biomaterial at the SynBioBeta ’23 conference in the Bay Area this week.
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