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.
Next-Gen Materials Lookbook: June 2024
In June, next-gen material releases did not disappoint. With collaborations from long established brands such as Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, and Cadillac, to rising stars like Sky High Farm Universe, Yuima Nakazato, and Miomojo Italia, innovative materials were not missing out on the summer fun. The sixth in our monthly installments that catalog the […]
Why To Invest In Next-Gen Materials Report
The next-gen materials industry is on the cutting edge of innovation, poised to revolutionize sectors like fashion, automotive, and home goods. This report highlights the transformative potential of next-gen materials, offering investors a unique chance to drive sustainable change and capture value in a high-growth market.
Beyond Polyester: 100% Bio-Based Synthetic Fibers
The crusade on plastic has put polyester and other synthetic fibers under a spotlight of scrutiny in the fashion industry. Microplastics have been found anywhere and everywhere there is water on our planet. Shedding from synthetic textiles is the number one source of microplastic pollution, so what options do we have for tackling this problem? In […]
Next-Gen Materials Lookbook: July 2024
In July, the next-gen innovation space heated up! For our mid-century modern lovers, Herman Miller® is now offering a next-gen leather alternative for upholstering their iconic Eames® Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Two luxury automakers, Cadillac and Maserati, have unveiled one-of-a-kind vehicles with next-gen leather materials featured in the interior. In the fashion space, several companies […]
White Space #1: Sub-categories with Limited Innovation
In 2021, in collaboration with The Mills Fabrica, we published our first White Space report for next-gen materials that identified seven key white spaces—the unmet and unarticulated needs of the industry. In 2024, we’re bringing you a new series of reports on each white space, each one a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about the white […]
Next-Gen Materials Lookbook: May 2024
In the fifth installment of our monthly next-gen “lookbooks”, we’ve rounded up an exciting 13 new product releases and announcements from next-gen innovators. From the Costume Institute’s annual Met Gala to Formula 1 Racing, next-gen materials were out with force in the month of May. Next-gen at the biggest night in fashion: Kicking off the month, actress and […]
Annual Report: 2023
We hope you will be inspired to learn more about the next-gen materials industry after your journey through the stories and triumphs that fill MII’s 2023 Annual Report. Our stories reflect the promise and uniqueness of the next-gen materials industry, representing an awe-inspiring blend of beauty, nature, innovation, and technology. A few highlights: Since our founding in […]
Next-Gen Materials Lookbook: April 2024
Welcome to the fourth installment in our series of monthly next-gen “lookbooks” where we highlight the most exciting collaborations in next-gen materials from April 2024. In this report we’ve showcased 18 note-worthy collaborations from global brands and start-ups alike across the range of next-gen materials, from wool, to down, to silk, to leather. Big brands […]
Next-Gen Materials Lookbook March 2024
Introducing the third in our series on monthly ‘lookbooks‘, highlighting the most exciting collaborations in next-gen materials from March 2024. In this report we’ve showcased 8 collaborations featuring the next-gen materials innovators NFW, MycoWorks, Vegea, Mabel Industries and Pangaia. Global brands including BMW, Reformation and Stella McCartney debuted new products made from next-gen leather and […]
What Makes Fur, Fur? Report
Tailored for scientists, entrepreneurs, material innovators, investors and brands, this report examines the unique properties of fur, its environmental and animal impact, and why we need next-gen alternatives that are more sustainable and humane.