Faircraft, a French biotech start-up, has successfully raised $15.8 million to advance its lab-grown leather production. This funding, backed by notable investors such as Kindred Ventures, Cap Horn, and Alliance for Impact, is set to scale the company’s operations to meet growing demand for sustainable materials. CEO Haïkel Balti highlighted the revolutionary potential of lab-grown leather, enabling the creation of eco-friendly products while providing new opportunities for artisans and designers.
The field of lab-grown leather continues to grow, with 3D Bio-Tissues, supported by BSF Enterprise, achieving a significant breakthrough. At the Future Fabrics Expo in London, the start-up unveiled its innovative leather sample, created from ethically sourced horse cells. This material mirrors the structural and genetic properties of traditional leather but is cultivated in a lab over six weeks without plastics or cellulose. Its flexibility in tanning methods, whether conventional or eco-conscious, adds to its versatility and appeal.
What sets 3D Bio-Tissues apart is its patented City-mix cell culture supplement, which is serum-free and animal-free. This unique formula accelerates tissue growth and reduces production costs, resulting in leather entirely derived from animal tissue without causing harm. Additionally, the process addresses the environmental concerns of conventional leather tanning. Applications for this sustainable leather extend across industries, including fashion, automotive, furniture, and accessories.
Balti emphasised that lab-grown leather is not just an ethical solution but a technological innovation that opens up creative possibilities for designers while significantly reducing environmental impact. Combining the durability and beauty of traditional leather with sustainability, it sets a new standard for responsible material innovation.
With Faircraft and BSF Enterprise at the forefront, lab-grown leather is reshaping the future of materials. These advancements highlight a successful balance between cutting-edge technology and environmental stewardship, offering sustainable alternatives across a variety of industries.
BSF Enterprise plc (LON:BSFA), the owner of pioneering UK-based clinical and cellular agriculture company 3D Bio-Tissues, is unlocking the next generation of biotech solutions. It is achieving this through an acquisition-led growth strategy to drive the development of lab-grown tissues.