US-based biodesign company Modern Meadow has announced that it will showcase its next-generation material, newly branded as INNOVERA™, at Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen.
Formerly known as BIO-VERA®, the leather alternative will be Modern Meadow’s primary material product going forward. It is made from plant-based proteins, biopolymers, and recycled rubber, achieving more than 80% renewable carbon content.
INNOVERA™ is said to replicate the look and feel of collagen found in leather, and is available in various colors, haptics, and finishes. Furthermore, it is claimed to be lightweight and twice as strong as traditional leather.
The material does not require special preservation or storage conditions, reducing complexity and costs. It is reportedly adaptable to any standard manufacturing process. According to Modern Meadow, the company’s commercial production capabilities make INNOVERA™ readily available to customers and simplify supply chain issues across the fashion, footwear, automotive, and interior design sectors.
Driving sustainable change
At Global Fashion Summit, which takes place from June 3-5, Modern Meadow CEO David Williamson, PhD, will participate in a panel discussion on “Bio-Design Futures”. Participants will discuss the need for reduced reliance on petrochemical inputs in fashion, the importance of sustainable alternatives, how renewable carbon content materials are transforming luxury fashion, and how the properties of plants can be harnessed for creativity.
The discussion will take place at the Concert Hall Stage on June 5 from 12:15-12:50 p.m. Modern Meadow will be located at Booth 08 of the Innovation Forum.
In 2022, an analysis of one of Modern Meadow’s leather alternatives found that it produced 80% fewer emissions than bovine leather. The following year, the company partnered with chemical company BASF to develop more innovative animal-free materials.
“Innovation centered on bioengineering, nature-inspired proteins, and commercial-scale solutions is essential to the future of fashion sustainability,” said Dr. Williamson. “By dedicating our resources to INNOVERA™, we are positioning Modern Meadow to drive sustainable change and deliver the most advanced leather alternative available. This singular focus allows us to scale commercial production more efficiently, deepen industry partnerships, and ensure that designers and brands have access to a luxurious, high-performance material that is beautiful and better for the planet.”
