Sustainable spotlight on Biophilica
Leather is coming under increasing scrutiny as one of the most environmentally harmful textiles in the fashion industry. When measuring its carbon footprint, water usage and waste, it has one of the highest impacts on our planet, but what about the alternatives?
Over the past few years, plant based leathers have been increasing in popularity, but are they truly a more sustainable alternative? Unfortunately, many leather alternatives are coated in a petroleum-based plastic (PVC) which is made from fossil fuels. It’s damaging for human health, and it’s not biodegradable.
Enter Biophilica…
Ecosystem member Biophilica is shaking up the alternative leather industry with a material sourced from green waste. This novel material, Treekind™, offers a sustainable, circular alternative that contains zero plastic. This means it can be recycled or turned into compost. It’s also non-toxic, estimated carbon-negative and uses less than 1% of the water used in leather production.
This innovation peaked the interest of our investment team and, in 2022, Biophilica joined our Sustainable Accelerator programme. Our team supported Biophilica with market research, key introductions, impact reporting and fundraising and Biophilica has gone on to raise a £1.2m seed round with US firm Rhapsody Ventures leading the round.
A greener future
Biophilica uses existing process equipment to provide a leather-like aesthetic and material which can be used for a variety of product applications. They’re starting out with accessories such as bags and watch straps, and have big ambitions to move into other industries including shoes, furniture and automotives.
Right now, Biophilica is working with brands like ID Genève, launching the world’s first circular watch strap.
