How Sustainable Next-Gen Materials Can Create a More Ethical Consumer Market
Next-generation (next-gen) materials are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials like leather, silk, and fur, which come from animals or petrochemicals. These materials are designed to be more sustainable and mimic the performance of animal-based materials using innovative technologies.
There are six main categories of next-gen materials: plant-derived (from plants, fungi, and algae), mycelium (from the root-like structures of fungi), cultivated animal cells (grown in labs), microbe-derived (made from engineered cells or fermentation), recycled materials (from plastic or textile waste), and blends (combinations of different inputs).
As of 2024, 62 companies are developing next-gen materials, with the U.S. leading with 44 companies. These materials are primarily used to replace leather and exotic skins, but some companies are also working on alternatives to silk, wool, down, and fur. Many companies use plant-based sources, though other inputs like microbes, mycelium, and recycled materials are also common.
Investors are key to the growth of this industry. Although funding dipped in 2022, investment picked up again in 2023, totaling over $500 million. Large brands like Nike, Volvo, and IKEA are driving demand for these materials, pushed by both consumer pressure and new environmental regulations.
Despite facing challenges in scaling up production, the next-gen materials industry continues to grow, and many believe it’s nearing broader adoption, which could help create a more sustainable future.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
