News Center
The Material Innovation Initiative (MII) accelerates the development of sustainable and animal-free materials. In our News Center, you’ll find news, event announcements, press releases, and statements from MII’s leadership.
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News
Dear MII Supporter,
Our 2023 Material Innovation Conference is now completely virtual instead of being held in New York. Due to the challenging economic climate, many companies have informed us that they can no longer afford to send representatives to the conference in person. Based on this information, we’ve decided to move the conference online as it will provide a better and more equitable experience for attendees worldwide. The conference is now taking place virtually from 21 – 23 June 2023.
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15 February 2023, Napa: The Material Innovation Initiative (MII) today launched the 2022 State of the Industry report: Next-gen Materials*. As per the report, next-gen mat...
We are honored to announce that the Material Innovation Initiative has been recognized as a 2022 Standout Charity by Animal Charity Evaluators(ACE) for the second year in a row!...
Discover recent advances in science and technology that are paving the way for next-gen innovation which meet the sustainability, performance, aesthetic, and price needs of brands and consumers, including precision fermentation, tissue engineering and bioprinting, mycelial growth, novel composites technologies, and bioplastics.
...The Material Innovation Initiative (MII) issued a first-of-its-kind State of the Industry Report on next-gen materials. The report gives an introduction to this nascent industry, an overview of the key players involved, considers driving forces accelerating the development of next-gen materials, and provides market projections of the global wholesale market for next-gen materials. It is a valuable resource for material innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and brands considering entering the space.
...Why we need next-gen materials
Animal-derived materials, particularly leather, are widely used in the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries. Production of animal-derived materials drives climate change, environmental degradation, public health risks, and animal cruelty. The current generation of alternatives – petroleum-derived synthetics – also comes with serious environmental and social concerns. We need more sustainable, next-gen alternatives with optimal aesthetics and performance. A broad ecosystem of innovators is rapidly growing to address this urgent need.
The Material Innovation Initiative (MII) issued its second State of the Industry Report on next-gen materials covering 2021 growth and investments. The report offers a valuable introduction to this nascent industry, providing an overview of the key players involved, the driving forces accelerating material innovation, and latest investment data for next-gen materials.
...Forager and Vivobarefoot discuss how brands can successfully work with next-gen materials in an interactive webinar co-hosted by MII.
To support the development and adoption of next-gen materials, the Mat...
Discover top brands’ strategies for meeting consumer demand for increased sustainability and animal-free products
...Nonprofit The Material Innovation Initiative (MII) has just published the first-of-its-kind report, Brand Engagement with Next-Gen Materials: 2022 Landscape. This report details how UGG, Gucci, Mercedes-Benz, and more than 100 other leading companies in the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries are using next-gen materials to meet shifting consumer demand, increase environmental sustainability, and address growing animal welfare concerns.
...MII in the news
Read select press coverage of MII’s programs and initiatives discussed in the news media.
There are at least eight companies across the globe using mycelium to make leather, per the 2021 MII report.
