ADVANCING
NEXT-GEN
MATERIALS
INSPIRE. CONNECT. INNOVATE. SCALE.
OUR MISSION
The Material Innovation Initiative exists to make the sustainable option, the easy option.
We believe that markets and technology have the power to transform the materials industry and solve the enormous environmental challenges it faces. We fast-track this process by accelerating the development of next-gen materials that are high-performance, animal-free, and more sustainable for the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries. Our team works to advance this next-gen materials industry by providing vital expertise and bringing together all key players along the path from concept to commercialization.
Think you fit in our ecosystem? Learn more about our work here and get in touch.
THE CHALLENGE
The materials industry is in the midst of a sustainability crisis. Animal-derived materials in particular have an outsize impact on climate change, resource use, and environmental degradation as well as public health, human rights, and animal welfare. Consumers and companies alike are searching for sustainable alternatives that are functional, fashionable, and cost-effective, but today’s options are few and far between.
By accelerating the development of next-gen materials that can outcompete animal-derived materials not only in terms of sustainability and ethics, but also on performance, price, and aesthetics, MII is working to resolve some of the industry’s challenges right at the source.
THE FACTS
25
percent
55 percent
90
percent
4
billion
of the world's carbon budget will be taken up by the fashion industry alone by 2050 if no changes are made
of consumers want to purchase leather alternatives because of leather’s impact on animals and the environment
of Gen Z consumers believe companies have a responsibility to address environmental and social issues
land animals are slaughtered, plucked, or sheared every year for the materials industry
“Fashion companies must join forces to create an ecosystem that supports transformational innovation . . . especially for raw materials. Companies cannot overcome these challenges alone.”
- Pulse of Fashion 2018