Over 1,000 mink bodies discovered
The ecological transition to sustainable fashion starts with the abandonment of animal-derived materials (such as fur, feathers, leather, silk, wool and other yarns) in favour of ethical, animal-free alternatives.
For each type of Animal Derived Material, there are numerous next-generation alternatives. These are the Next-Gen Materials and use a variety of biomimetic approaches to replicate both the aesthetics and performance of animal-derived materials.
These new-generation products are derived entirely from virgin or waste plant matter. For simplicity's sake, mushrooms (fruiting body) and algae are also included in this category, even if they are not plants.
The structure of these materials is similar to a root of some fungal species.
Tissue engineering is used to obtain these materials. Thanks to this type of engineering, it is possible to cultivate animal cells in the laboratory without having to use substrates of animal origin (such as SFB, Fetal Bovine Serum).
The approach used to create these materials is that of cell engineering, ranging from cell cultivation to fermentation processes to produce proteins and biopolymers.
The new generation of mixed materials are completely animal-free solutions, created by mixing components from the previous categories.
New generation materials using recycled plastics, recycled textile raw materials not of animal origin or stones and mineral powders.
We, as consumers, can also take the side of animals every day by buying and wearing clothes and accessories made from animal-free materials.
FIND OUT WHICH ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS ARE SUSTAINABLE AND ANIMAL FREE
The Next-Gen Materials industry is constantly evolving, we list just a few of the many materials already available today that brands and consumers can choose from.