Modern Meadow introduces Bio-Vera, a revolutionary circular material designed to mimic leather while enhancing sustainability at the recent Lineapelle exhibition.
During the latest edition of Lineapelle, an international exhibition dedicated to the leather, accessories, and components sectors for the footwear and leather industry, Modern Meadow made a significant impact by unveiling its new circular material, Bio-Vera. This innovative biomaterial is designed to replicate the look and feel of traditional leather while incorporating sustainable practices. The event took place recently, attracting numerous stakeholders from the industry.
Modern Meadow, a U.S.-based company founded in 2011, showcased Bio-Vera as a forward-thinking alternative that consists of over 80% renewable carbon content. This material is versatile and can be utilized in a variety of products, including shoulder bags, pouches, footwear, and accessories. Available in an array of colors such as camel, navy blue, taupe, and forest green, Bio-Vera also features full-grain options in white perforated and chestnut brown.
The manufacturing process for Bio-Vera uses a non-woven polymer developed by BASF, which is derived from recycled old tires. This polymer is then treated with two components: one from soy proteins and another from bio-based materials sourced from nature. The end product is lightweight, measuring 25% less than comparable leather materials, and is noted for its breathability and enhanced durability, being three to four times more tear-resistant than conventional leather. The material can also be tanned with vegetal substances, similar to traditional leather, and is partially recyclable at the end of its lifecycle, with 55% of Bio-Vera being able to be reused.
With the capability to produce over 500,000 square meters of Bio-Vera annually, Modern Meadow addresses current supply chain challenges faced in the industry. The material also allows for a shorter production timeline and facilitates custom manufacturing options for designers in sectors such as automotive, furniture design, and notably in sneakers, as well as other bags and accessories.
David Williamson, PhD, CEO of Modern Meadow, emphasized the attributes of Bio-Vera by stating, “Our Bio-Vera transformative material is beautiful, stronger and lighter than traditional materials as it is created using our revolutionary miscible blend of plant-based proteins, biopolymers and post-consumer waste that maximize performance and sustainability at the molecular level.”
Furthermore, Bio-Vera boasts full traceability and compliance with various certifications, including IPCC certification. In collaboration with an external partner, it has also obtained Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Dry White, and Cradle-to-Cradle certifications.
Based out of Nutley, New Jersey, Modern Meadow employs a workforce of approximately 60 individuals in the United States, with an additional five personnel in Europe. The company’s focus remains on developing biomaterials, leveraging their unique hybrid material derived from plant proteins and bio-based polymers. Noteworthy collaborations already include partnerships with prominent brands like Tory Burch, as well as industry leaders such as BASF, Bader, and ISA TanTec, marking Modern Meadow as a key player in the shift towards sustainable materials in manufacturing.
Source: Noah Wire Services
