Understanding Bio-Material Innovations: A Primer for the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry is undergoing a materials revolution, with bio-based innovations at the forefront of sustainability efforts. This report, developed by Biofabricate and Fashion for Good, provides a foundational understanding of bio-material innovations, their definitions, processes, and potential for large-scale adoption. With contributions from leading innovators, brands, and manufacturers, this primer aims to drive informed decision-making and enhance cross-sector collaboration.
Executive Summary
The term ‘bio-materials’ encompasses a diverse and evolving landscape, from biobased textiles to biofabricated and biosynthetic materials. However, a lack of standardized definitions and clear impact assessments presents challenges for both brands and innovators. Through extensive research and industry consultation, this report clarifies key terminologies, examines different biomaterial technologies, and outlines the processes involved in their production. The findings underscore the need for strong partnerships, realistic timelines, and transparent sustainability metrics to accelerate the adoption of these materials within the fashion industry.
Goals of the Report
-
Establish clear definitions for different types of bio-materials, including biobased, biosynthetic, biofabricated, and bioassembled materials.
-
Provide a high-level overview of production processes and environmental impact considerations.
-
Identify key challenges and opportunities in scaling bio-material innovations.
-
Offer insights into effective partnerships between material innovators and brands.
-
Serve as a resource for industry players looking to integrate bio-materials into their supply chains.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The fashion industry’s shift toward bio-materials requires patience, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to transparency. Brands must align on definitions, set realistic expectations for scalability, and support innovators throughout the development process. Standardised impact assessments and lifecycle analyses will further ensure that bio-materials deliver on their sustainability promises. By fostering collaboration and investing in long-term solutions, the industry can move toward a truly sustainable materials future.
Glossary
-
Biomaterial: A material derived from biological sources, broadly encompassing biofabricated, biosynthetic, and bioassembled materials.
-
Biobased: Materials wholly or partially derived from biomass (e.g., plants, trees, or animals).
-
Biofabricated: Materials produced by living cells, such as bacteria or yeast, often using fermentation processes.
-
Bioassembled: Materials that are grown into macroscale structures using biological processes, such as mycelium-based leather alternatives.
-
Biosynthetic: Synthetic polymer materials created using biologically derived compounds, often as an alternative to fossil-fuel-based synthetics.
Stakeholders Involved
-
Brands: adidas, Stella McCartney, Kering
-
Innovators: Bolt Threads, MycoWorks, and Ecovative
Contacts for the project
-
Biofabricate
Suzanne Lee – CEO & Founder
Dr. Amy Congdon – Head of Design Intelligence -
Fashion for Good
Georgia Parker – Innovation Manager
Charlotte Borst – Innovation Analyst
Relevant Resources
In Conversation with NFW: Creating biomaterials that support plastic-free design
What are biomaterials in fashion?
BioMaterials: resource of sustainable fashion
With an average growth between 15% and 20%, the circular fashion industry could reach 75 billion dollars in 2025. As a result, the EU funded the AllThing.BioPRO project to help consumers make more informed choices in bioeconomy.[ITALIAN ARTICLE]
The Future of Fashion Materials
The Dutch Fashion for Good Museum developed an in-house exhibition called GROW which shows biomaterials which might just be the future of fashion materials.
With the GROW exhibition, visitors are shown conventional biomaterials, like ecological (lab-grown) cotton, flax and hemp, but also innovative materials like fabric made of citrus peels, mushroom leather, spider silkand dye made with bacteria and algae.
More Reports
Other Reports
Wealth in Waste
This report is part of the “Sorting for Circularity: India” initiative led by Fashion for Good and its partners. It aims to explore the untapped potential of India’s textile waste industry to transition into a circular economy by identifying waste streams, analysing current practices, and suggesting pathways for systemic improvements across the value chain.
The State of Circular Innovations in the Indian Fashion and Textile Industry
This report introduces the pressing need for transitioning the Indian fashion and textile industry from a linear to a circular model. It emphasises the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the industry and positions circularity as a critical pathway for sustainable growth. It provides an overview of the current status, challenges, and opportunities for circular innovations within India’s textile and apparel value chain.
A Digital Traceability Platform Analysis
This report provides an in-depth analysis of digital traceability platforms, examining their role in enhancing transparency, compliance, and efficiency in various industries. It explores the technological advancements, regulatory requirements, and strategic benefits of implementing traceability solutions.
