The "White Space #1: Sub-Categories with Limited Innovation 2024” report offers a comprehensive analysis of the significant untapped potential within the next-generation materials industry, focusing on alternatives to silk, wool, down, and fur.
MII described white spaces as areas lacking current competition and new technology, as well as gaps in existing markets.
This report identified and explored critical opportunities for innovation within these traditionally animal-based textile sub-categories, providing insights for entrepreneurs, scientists, brands, and investors seeking to make impactful advancements.
MII has identified seven areas or white spaces, which include sub-categories with limited innovation; bio-based resins, coatings, binders, dyes, and finishes; beyond polyester; new bio-feedstocks; end of life; materials science done right; and biotechnology scale-up.
Nicole Rawling, co-founder and CEO of MII, said: “Our goal is to direct interest, attention, and resources to the areas within the next-gen materials industry that hold the most promise. This report is a call to action for the industry to innovate and fill these white spaces for the benefit of accelerating sustainable and ethical material development."
Key takeaways from the report
- Consumer demand: There is strong consumer demand for next-gen materials that look and feel like traditional animal-based materials but are more sustainable. Consumers prioritise functionality, warmth, and aesthetics in their purchasing decisions.
- Investment and commitment: Developing and scaling next-gen materials requires significant time and investment. The research, development, and scale-up processes are complex and resource-intensive, necessitating a long-term commitment from innovators and investors. Patience and sustained effort are essential to bring these innovations to market.
- Collaboration for success: Strong collaborations between brands, manufacturers, and material innovators are crucial. Working closely with these partners can help ensure new materials meet industry standards and consumer expectations, facilitating smoother adoption and integration into existing supply chains.
Thomasine Dolan Dow, MII’s director of material innovation and design, noted that although we’re seeing more and more companies innovating in the next-gen materials space, some key white spaces remain underserved.
She added: “The majority of innovators in the industry are focused on next-gen leather alternatives, leaving many opportunities in silk, wool, down and fur untapped. We’re excited to see innovations in these areas expand in the future and hope this report provides critical insights for stakeholder looking to harness the significant opportunities in the next-gen materials industry.”
This report is part of a series of seven white space reports, each focusing on different critical areas of the next-gen materials industry. MII shared that this initiative aims to provide deep dives into specific sectors, making the information accessible and actionable for stakeholders.
In 2021, MII published its first White Space report in collaboration with The Mills Fabrica, identifying seven key white spaces—addressing the unmet and unarticulated needs of the industry.
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