Biomaterials startups pulled in $392 million during the first quarter of 2025 alone—a sign that next-gen investors are coming back after a few quiet years. Also back is the Material Innovation Initiative—the material innovation think tank that shuttered operations in September but quickly re-opened after a cash infusion.
But progress has its challenges, and innovation and commitments can’t move forward without partnership. Too many brands still “shop” for next-gen materials, browsing for what they want instead of partnering and investing in their creation (or worse, leaving developers high and dry when they don’t like the outcome).
Best intentions might meet the harsh economics of the market, rife with minimum order quantities and biotech that takes more than a seasonal cycle to scale. But there’s still hope to move next-gen materials to the next level.
Download the Material Innovations Report to learn:
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The vast portfolio of “green” investments by venture capital company SOSV.
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The latest circular technologies, bio-based feedstocks, fossil fuel alternatives and performance-boosting fibers that execs are most excited about.
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How the long-dormant American-grown hemp industry is gearing up mass production.
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How Unifi is laser focusing on all-polyester textile-to-textile recycling rather than blends.
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How one Portuguese footwear manufacturer is bringing fruit waste to the forefront with an Italian partnership.
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