Modern Synthesis
A biomaterial innovation company
- 1-20 employees
- B2B
- Sustainability
- Manufacturing
- Fashion
- Design
- Environmental
- Biotechnology
- Clapham, London, UK
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Company mission
To provide truly sustainable + inspiring cellulose-based alternatives to reduce the industry's dependence on petrochemical-derived materials—without sacrificing its creativity.
Our take
The sustainability crisis in the fashion industry continues to grow, with research showing that most emissions are in fact produced in the materials phase. So there’s been a ramp-up of investment in next-gen materials - like Modern Synthesis’ microbial weaves.
Whilst still in the R&D small-batch stage, this material is highly innovative: it’s made from microbes that grow around a robotically laid-down weave to form a lightweight, plastic-like substance. This makes it a potentially game-changing replacement for petrochemical materials, some of the biggest polluters in the fashion industry.
Modern Synthesis is a modest outfit for now, but has been generating substantial buzz in the material sciences scene, and will be opening a pilot plant with the help of new funding. This growth will be critical, because Modern Synthesis’ material will need to work at scale if it is to see adoption by even boutique brands, let alone broader industry uptake.
For now, biomaterial startups like AirCarbon and Clarus are gaining faster momentum through partnerships with Nike and Ralph Lauren respectively; but there’s no shortage of market appetite for alternatives. If Modern Synthesis can refine its production line, and perhaps find a big-name partner, there’s a lot to play for.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Funding (last 2 of 4 rounds)
Feb 2025
$5.5m
SEED
Sep 2022
$1m
SEED