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.
2022 State Of The Industry Report: Next-Gen Materials
Snapshot of the state of the next-gen materials industry in 2022:
Want to learn more about our research? Browse our reports page.
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.
MII’s Impact of Synthetic Materials on Animals report finds that synthetic materials must be replaced with sustainable and humane next-gen materials for the health of our planet and future generations.
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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.