The ten brands are MARCO DAL MASO, Kaila Katherine, Humo Estudio, Sans Beast, Stow, Wear Hadley, Ethik, Melina Butcher, Sentient and CHOMMIES. The participating brands represent nine countries – the UK, the US, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, Africa, India, Australia and South Africa.
Under The Uncaged Collective, the US biomaterial company will provide these brands access to its bio-based leather alternative, with an aim to bring ELEVATE to market, demonstrating the functionality across a range of products, including wallets and watch straps.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Despite numerous collaborations between well-known brands and innovative startups aimed at launching sustainable products, the process often requires significant time before reaching consumers.
To address this issue, Uncaged’s bio-based leather alternative is being introduced alongside those ten smaller brands to efficiently expedite product development and market entry.
The brands were also chosen based on their focus on sustainability and their intent to reliance on animal-derived materials in production.
To develop ELEVATE, Uncaged used its proprietary technology platform ‘BioFuze’ alongside biomaterial manufacturing techniques. This customisable leather alternative closely resembles the texture and functionality of conventional leather.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataUncaged claims that the new product significantly reduces environmental impact, utilising 95% less greenhouse gas emissions, 93% less water, and 72% less energy compared to conventional animal leather.
Uncaged CEO and co-founder Stephanie Downs said: “Sustainability is now rightfully at the top of businesses and consumers’ agendas, and we’re seeing more partnerships between large household names and innovative start-ups to bring sustainable solutions to the consumer.
“However, even though partnerships are announced, they take time to come to market. With The Uncaged Collective, our mission is to make Uncaged’s bio-based leather alternative available to smaller brands, who move quickly to bring their products to market. ELEVATE is designed to help end the environmental devastation of traditional leather, and we believe that these innovative, sustainable solutions should be accessible to all brands.”
Unlike other companies that primarily use carbohydrates, materials that do not replicate the molecular structure of skin, ELEVATE incorporates grain proteins combined with other plant-based components that mimic the structural properties of collagen found in animal hides.
Traditionally, access to innovative materials in the next-generation material sector was primarily reserved for large brands.
The Uncaged Collective aims to change this dynamic by collaborating with smaller boutique brands, each contributing distinct products such as jewellery, handbags, and wallets to the market.
Marco Dal Maso design director and founder said: “It was important for us to find an innovative material that was not just sustainable but also luxurious for our high-end designs. Uncaged offers that and more, with an alternative leather product that can be customised to tune the fragrance, stretch, and even down to the biodegradation of the product itself, all while matching the luxurious aesthetic of traditional leather.”
Founded in 2020 by Stephanie Downs and Dr Xiaokun Wang, Uncaged closed a $5.6m seed investment in July this year to commercialise its grain-based leather alternative.
With full production capabilities already established, the company has secured $7.9m in funding and formed partnerships with notable brands like Jaguar Land Rover to advance sustainable luxury initiatives.
Uncaged’s bio-based leather alternative can be used across a range of products, including wallets and watch straps. Credit: Uncaged Innovations. Ixh
