allbirds is investing in a plant-based leather substitute, plans faux-leather shoe drop in december
Allbirds Invests in Natural Fiber Welding for Sustainable Materials
Allbirds, a footwear and apparel company prioritizing sustainability, has made a $2 million investment in Natural Fiber Welding. This strategic move aims to further enhance the eco-friendliness of its supply chain.
Vegan Leather Alternative Coming Soon
The investment, revealed today, will facilitate the introduction of a vegan leather alternative for Allbirds customers by December 2021. This aligns with the company’s established commitment to minimizing environmental impact throughout its production processes.
Beyond Footwear: Expanding Material Applications
Allbirds has evolved into more than just a shoe brand. Natural Fiber Welding offers a robust cotton fiber, developed through a unique processing technology, and a plant-based leather substitute.
These innovative materials have the potential to be integrated into a wide range of Allbirds products, including socks, shoes, t-shirts, underwear, sweaters, jackets, and even face masks.
Industry Recognition for Natural Fiber Welding
Natural Fiber Welding has already established a partnership with Porsche, demonstrating the appeal of its materials to various industries. Allbirds is not the sole company recognizing the potential of this Peoria, Illinois-based startup.
Funding and Investors
With Allbirds’ contribution, Natural Fiber Welding has secured approximately $15 million in funding, as reported by PitchBook. Additional investors include Central Illinois Angels, Prairie Crest Capital, Ralph Lauren Corp., and Capital V, a firm specializing in vegan product investments.
Growing Trend: Plant-Based Materials in Fashion
Allbirds isn’t alone in embracing plant-based materials. Pangaia, another prominent clothing company, invested $2 million in Kintra last December, a company developing a bio-based polyester alternative.
Key Players in Sustainable Fashion
Bolt Threads stands out as a leading startup in sustainable fashion, having secured partnerships with major brands like Stella McCartney, Adidas, and the parent company of Balenciaga.
Significant Investment in Plant-Based Fabric Startups
Other companies attracting substantial investment include MycoWorks, which raised $45 million last year. Backers included notable figures like John Legend and Natalie Portman, alongside investors such as WTT Investment Ltd., DCVC Bio, and Valor Equity Partners.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Allbirds highlights the significantly lower environmental footprint of Natural Fiber Welding’s leather-like material. The company claims a 40-fold reduction in carbon footprint and a 17-fold decrease in carbon usage compared to conventional synthetic leather production.
Addressing Rubber Industry Concerns
The plant-based leather will incorporate natural rubber, acknowledging the industry’s past issues regarding human rights. However, the industry is actively working towards improved practices.
Allbirds’ Vision for a Sustainable Future
“For too long, fashion companies have prioritized speed and cost over environmental responsibility, relying on unsustainable leather and polluting synthetics,” states Joey Zwillinger, co-founder and co-CEO of Allbirds. “Natural Fiber Welding is creating scalable, sustainable alternatives to leather, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 98%. Our collaboration and the introduction of Plant Leather represent a significant step towards eliminating petroleum from the fashion industry.”
Seeking Further Comment
TechCrunch contacted Allbirds for further insights, but a response was not received before publication.
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