Reports
The Material Innovation Initiative conducts world-class research that spurs investments and partnerships and helps scale next-gen material innovations. Our reports, publications, factsheets, and databases analyze the state of the next-gen materials industry, map white space opportunities, advise entrepreneurs and next-gen material companies, and connect investors to exceptional investment opportunities.
MIC 2023 Post Event Report
The Material Innovation Conference (MIC) works to advance the next-gen materials industry by sharing vital expertise and bringing together all key players along the innovation path from concept to commercialization. With 37 expert speakers from leading brands, investors, next-gen material companies, academics, raw material suppliers, mills, and nonprofits, the event explored opportunities and challenges in accelerating the commercialization of next-gen materials.
Annual Report: 2022
We held our first Material Innovation Conference, which convened hundreds of industry leaders and explored opportunities in accelerating the development and commercialization of next-gen materials. We launched the Environmental Data Coalition, a group of more than 40 scientists, investors, material companies, and brands who are committed to solving the next-gen materials industry’s greatest sustainability evaluation challenges. We saw more than $455M invested in next-gen material companies. We held more than 760 meetings with leading brands, material companies, investors, and other key stakeholders.
MAY, 2023 U.S. Consumer Research
In Partnership with North Mountain Consulting Group
A May 2023 Consumer Research Report shows nearly all survey participants (92%) stated they were at least somewhat open to purchasing next-gen materials, including 51% who were somewhat or moderately likely to purchase, and 41% who were very or extremely likely to purchase, in place of conventional animal products and current-generation synthetics. The report was produced in partnership with Material Innovation Initiative (MII) and North Mountain Consulting Group.
2022 State Of The Industry Report: Next-Gen Materials
Next-gen material companies raised at least US$456.75 million from 28 publicly disclosed deals in 2022. The 2022 State of the Industry Report: Next-gen Materials highlights the investments, innovation, and industry partnerships that significantly impacted the next-gen materials industry in 2022.
Impact of Synthetic Materials on Animals
Fossil fuel-derived synthetic fibers, which are nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable, currently comprise approximately 60% of materials used by the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries and are projected to comprise approximately 70% of materials by 2030. Synthetic materials contain microplastics, which accumulate and persist in ecosystems for hundreds of years, as well as toxins that poison ecosystems, harm animals, and fuel climate change.
2021 State of the Industry Report: Next-Gen Materials
This report covers the growth and investments in next-gen materials through the end of 2021. It summarizes the key participants, the driving forces accelerating material innovation, and the latest investment data for next-gen materials.
MII’s 2021 Annual Report
We work to accelerate the development of high-performance, animal-free, and more sustainable materials for the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries. We partner with scientists, startups, brands, and retailers to bring these next-gen materials to market. Read our 2021 Annual Report to get a fuller picture of our impact.
Brand Engagement with Next-Gen Materials: 2022 Landscape
This report details how more than 100 leading brands are using next-gen materials to meet shifting consumer demand, increase environmental sustainability, and address growing animal welfare concerns.
Next-Gen Materials White Space Report 2021
This report, a joint project with The Mills Fabrica provides a white space analysis of the next-gen materials industry and a roadmap for innovators interested in developing next-gen materials.
Next-Gen Leather: Chinese Consumer Perceptions
This study demonstrates a high degree of acceptance of next-gen leather in urban China and presents opportunities for scientists, start-ups, and brands to develop next-gen leather.
What Makes Silk, Silk?
Tailored for scientists, textile suppliers, and material innovators, this report examines the unique properties of silk and explores next-gen alternatives that are more sustainable and humane.
2020 State of the Industry Report: Next-Gen Materials
The Material Innovation Initiative (MII) is thrilled to offer this first-of-its-kind State of the Industry Report, and in fact, to announce the emergence of the next-gen material industry. In this report, you will find research, analysis, and insights to guide your understanding of this nascent industry. Whether you are an entrepreneur or startup, investor or corporate, you can still join this space as a first mover. It’s that new.
New Materials Nomenclature Assessment
This study assesses nomenclature options for high-performance, sustainable, and humane materials and recommends “next-gen” as an overarching, consumer-friendly category term.
MII’s Annual 2020 Report
We work to accelerate the development of high-performance, animal-free, and more sustainable materials for the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries. We partner with scientists, startups, brands, and retailers to bring these next-gen materials to market. Read our 2020 Annual Report to get a fuller picture of our impact.
Consumer Adoption of Next-Gen Materials: A U.S. Segmentation Study
This study outlines the potential adoption of next-gen materials among U.S. consumers, as well as the preferences, shopping habits, and sociodemographic profiles of early adopters.
Mycelium Leather Technology Assessment
This assessment describes how mycelium (the root structure of fungi) is revolutionizing the way leather is made and replacing its animal-derived counterparts.
Material Performance and Sourcing: Bovine Leather
This report emphasizes the attributes brands look for in leather, how to test for them, and what metrics next-gen materials companies need to meet to satisfy brand requirements.
Alternatives to Leather: An Exploratory Study of U.S. Consumer Perceptions
This study shows the preference of many U.S. consumers for animal-free leather and highlights opportunities for scientists, start-ups, and brands to develop next-gen leather.