Biomaterials company Modern Synthesis announces that, during a private event at its London headquarters, the company revealed a breakthrough class of microbial materials made with nanocellulose produced using first-of-a-kind biotechnology platform at its newly opened pilot facility.
“This new platform presents one of the biggest advances in the textile field since the industrial era“
The company says its revolutionary material has a “unique potential” for creating customizable nonwoven textiles, from films to soft leathers. Furthermore, it is a naturally biodegradable alternative to petrochemical-derived materials to help the fashion industry overcome its sustainability crisis.
Biotech Platform
Founded by ex-Adidas designer Jen Keane and synthetic biologist Dr. Ben Reeve, Modern Synthesis is poised to craft the next generation of biomaterials to meet the fashion industry’s requirements for sustainability and performance. The biotech raised $4.1 million in a seed round last year to build its micro-factory in London.
The biotech claims it has developed a patent-pending biotechnology platform that relies on the ability of bacteria to turn sugar derived from agricultural waste (bacterial fermentation) into nanocellulose — a solid and fine form of cellulose biomaterial that is naturally animal and plastic free.
“This new platform presents one of the biggest advances in the textile field since the industrial era, as it offers designers and fashion brands the ability to reduce their ecological footprint while introducing a novel look and feel into their products,” said Modern Synthesis.
A holistic solution for fashion
At the event, industry insiders had the opportunity to see the new biomaterial and explore its potential to address fashion’s reliance on non-biodegradable materials, said the company.
Modern Synthesis’ angel investor, Pierre Denis, the former CEO of Jimmy Choo, said: “Luxury fashion brands are hungry for a new wave of sustainable materials that can be tailored to suit their style and products. Thanks to Modern Synthesis’ technology, this programmable biomaterial is no longer a dream for the industry – it’s real.”
“We set out to build a holistic solution to fashion’s interrelated challenges with our material platform. Our materials not only target urgent environmental concerns, but also open up entirely new possibilities for creativity in design,” added Jen Keane co-founder and CEO of Modern Synthesis.
