Accelerating Material Innovation
The Material Innovation Initiative is a nonprofit think tank focused on research, knowledge-sharing, and fostering connections to fast-track the development of environmentally preferable and animal-free materials.
This platform is our solution to connect material innovators with fashion, automotive, and home goods brands to accelerate brands’ knowledge of and access to performance and impact data.
Our Focus
NEXT-GEN MATERIALS THAT ARE HIGH-PERFORMING, ANIMAL-FREE AND MORE SUSTAINABLE
MII is dedicated to advancing sustainable, animal-free next-gen materials to replace incumbent materials like leather, wool, silk, down, fur, and exotic skins. We also seek to replace current-gen materials, which are primarily sourced from petrochemicals, and to drive fiber and material innovation that improves the circularity of other materials.
Next-gen materials represent a multi-billion dollar market opportunity; reduce or eliminate harm to people, animals, and the planet; and meet the needs of both consumers and brands.
These materials can be derived from sustainably sourced plants, algae, fungi (especially mycelium, a root-like structure of many fungal species), microbes, cultured animal cells, recycled plastic, textile feedstock, and other sustainable sources. Next-gen materials use a variety of biomimicry approaches to replicate the positive aesthetic and performance properties of incumbent and current-gen materials, while eliminating their negative externalities.
What Sets Us Apart
Conducting world-class research, knowledge-sharing, and facilitating connections
By conducting world-class research, sharing knowledge, and facilitating connections, we are committed to being a trusted knowledge partner for material companies, scientists, brands, investors, entrepreneurs, and others interested in enabling the development of a global market for sustainable materials.
OUR PROGRAMS
We focus our work through three core programs
Science & Technology — We provide critical open-access scientific research and guidance for industry partners, stimulate new startups to fill white space opportunities identified by us, foster a network of researchers, and develop best practices for environmental impact analysis.
Innovation — We analyze the state of the next-gen materials industry, disseminate research data and insights to industry stakeholders, and facilitate connections amongst startups and investors to accelerate the growth of the next-gen materials industry.
Brand partnerships — We help brands invest in, source from, and partner with next-gen materials companies, offer positioning advice and marketing support, and make introductions to next-gen material companies.
Who We Are
- The only organization accelerating the next-gen materials industry
- A high-impact nonprofit funded by philanthropy
- Focused on leather, wool, silk, down, fur, and polyester alternatives
- At the center of developing and connecting the ecosystem for sustainable materials
Who We Aren't
- We are not a material company or supplier
- We do not manufacture or sell materials
- We are not a certification body
- We do not endorse specific products or companies
What We Do
- Identify, assess, and promote innovative materials and technologies
- Spur investments, research, and development to scale promising innovations
- Partner with brands, retailers, and suppliers to bring sustainable materials to market
- Conduct world-class research and facilitate connections across the industry
What Drives Us Forward
Our core values shape every decision and guide our mission to transform how the world sources sustainable materials
Trust & Transparency
Every material is reviewed by MII staff before it appears in the database. We provide transparency about our review process so brands can make informed decisions with confidence.
Innovation First
We champion breakthrough technologies that push boundaries. Our platform showcases materials that represent the future of sustainable manufacturing.
Global Impact
We believe in creating positive change at scale. By connecting innovators with global brands, we amplify the impact of sustainable material adoption worldwide.
Why This Work Is Important
ANIMAL WELFARE
FACT 1:
Over 3.6 billion animals are killed, sheared, or plucked each year to produce leather, fur, wool, down, and exotic skins.
FACT 2:
Over 1 trillion silk worms are boiled alive each year to produce silk.
FACT 3:
The vast majority of animals used in materials are not protected by animal welfare laws.
FACT 4:
Raising cattle and sheep would be unprofitable without the revenue from leather and wool. Reducing the use of animal-based materials is an important intervention in ending animal agriculture.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
FACT 1:
The fashion industry is projected to emit 25% of global GHG emissions by 2050.
FACT 2:
66-80% of a fashion brand's environmental impact comes from raw materials.
FACT 3:
Next-gen materials, on the whole, are poised to be over 90% better than animal based materials and over 60% better than synthetics.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF LEATHER
CO2 Emissions (kg CO2 eq)
*Includes 5 top companies on the market.
HUMAN RIGHTS
FACT 1:
10% of the chemicals used in textile production cause cancer, gene mutations, reproductive and hormonal abnormalities, organ damage, and premature death.
FACT 2:
The modern materials industry exploits millions of people, particularly in developing economies. According to the Global Slavery Index, garments are the second largest category of products made with slave labor that G20 countries import.
Animals Affected Each Year
1.4+
BILLION
Leather Animals
1+
TRILLION
Silk Worms
367+
MILLION
Wool Animals
1+
BILLION
Fur Animals
840+
MILLION
Duck & Geese
2.5+
MILLION
Exotic Animals
1+
TRILLION
Wild Animals
Opportunity
Consumer Demand
95%
of brands MII has met …
Interested in next-gen materials.
Market Potential
Next gen materials make up less than 1% of the total market for animal materials. The animal materials industry is at least a $126 billion market. With consumers demanding these materials, there is enormous market potential for alternatives.
Ready for Reliable Data?
Join hundreds of innovators and brands who trust MII to connect breakthrough materials with market opportunities. Together, we're building a more sustainable future.