Modern Synthesis and GANNI

© Modern Synthesis

Fashion, Design & Beauty

Ex Adidas Designer Unveils Bag Made from Bacteria at London Design Festival

Modern Synthesis, a London-based biotechnology company, has partnered with GANNI, a Danish fashion brand, to reimagine its ‘Bou’ handbag using the company’s bacterial nanocellulose material. Originally crafted from recycled animal leather, the new iteration is part of GANNI’s commitment to eliminate virgin leather from its products by the end of this year, and is being unveiled at the London Design Festival taking place until this Sunday. Founded by ex-Adidas designer Jen Keane and synthetic biologist Dr. Ben Reeve, Modern Synthesis uses a proprietary biotechnology process that transforms sugar derived from agricultural waste into nanocellulose fibers, which the company claims are eight times stronger than steel. The company joins the ranks of other biodegradable textile manufacturers like 3D-printed Simplifyber and banana-based FOReT and Rashki, who are …

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A shoe made with Modern Synthesis biomaterial

© Modern Synthesis

Materials

Modern Synthesis Unveils “One of the Biggest Advances in Textiles Since the Industrial Era”

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. 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 …

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