Modern Meadow addresses this question with Innovera, which combines post-consumer waste, vegetable proteins, biopolymers (derived from soy or corn), and recycled rubber. And, in order to be used (as is the case with some other similar projects), it must be processed in a tannery
by Maria Vittoria Galeazzi
In the world of “so-called” alternative materials, there is a semi-finished product of non-animal origin that is offered to tanning companies for processing and finishing. It is not the only one, but it is among those that have emerged most recently and have managed to gain a certain amount of credibility. It is called Innovera and was created by the American company Modern Meadow (based in Nutley, New Jersey). It combines post-consumer waste, vegetable proteins, biopolymers (based on soy or corn) and recycled rubber. A renewable and recyclable material, its unique feature is that it can be processed directly by tanneries, fitting into the production cycle that usually involves leather. The result, as Pierluigi Berardi, VP Sales & Marketing at Modern Meadow, explains, is “a high-performance product”.
A non-conflicting alternative
Modern Meadow states that it does not want to compete with leather, but only to offer a product that meets the needs of that segment of the market that is looking for non-animal-based materials. “Innovera does not conflict with the communication and supply of leather. That is the last thing on our minds,” Berardi specifies. “The demand is there. There are market niches to be filled.”
How the process works
“Tanners process our semi-finished product and incorporate it into their usual production cycle. There is no need for special machinery, as is the case with synthetics,” the company explains. “This material can be adapted to any production process, tanned and customised according to requirements.” Modern Meadow currently has partnerships with five tanneries around the world. “The technical and performance properties are incredible,” the American company concludes. “It is a material with great transformative potential,” says David Williamson, CEO of Modern Meadow, “thanks to the blend of plant-based proteins, biopolymers and post-consumer waste, which maximises performance.”
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