ESG Elephant Explained: Next Generation Materials
Not too long ago, we introduced you to our new ESG Elephant.
Now it’s time to take that first bite of it.
We will start with Next Generation Materials.
What are Next Generation Materials?
You can call them alternative materials.
They are replacements for raw materials, such as leather, silk, wool, cotton, and fur.
Next Generation Materials can in many ways impact the environment less than both animal-based materials and conventional fibers (some brands estimate that 68-88% of their carbon footprint alone come from the raw materials).
Still, keep in mind that the production process does not disappear and that you cannot say Next Gen Materials have no environmental impact at all.
Why are they important?
Next Generation Materials are a way to meet the need for innovative new solutions.
And they have the potential to lower your environmental impact and of course help companies to steer clear of animal cruelty.
… depending on the next generation material you decide to use, of course.
Advantages
If I write banana, what do you think of?
Words like "yellow", "fruit", "sweet", or "cake" probably spring to mind, but allow me to give you a fifth: Agri-waste.
After harvest, much of the banana plant is left as waste, which is usually burned.
That can be avoided by transforming the biowaste into a cotton-like textile.
So, there are quite a few advantages here:
Avoiding CO2 emissions from burning the waste.
Reducing waste within the banana industry.
More income for the farmers.
And it’s not just bananas.
We see all different types of fibers being made from food waste.
Cactus, pineapple, citrus, mango - the list goes on.
Disadvantages
However, Next Gen Materials are not the eighth wonder of the world.
As of now, this topic is still fairly new and under development.
Therefore, some of the disadvantages are:
Little availability.
Higher prices and a need for more investment in technology.
Longer lead time because production facilities are not yet scaled for commercial production.
Lack of standards and testing, making it difficult to ensure consistent quality and quantity.
So, this may not be the one and only answer to our prayers - but it’s a good start.
In the beginning, all innovation will have uncertainties and disadvantages.
But with support from brands, it can grow and develop to become more available and a great, or even the best, option.
Which might lead to many more companies going for it.
Sounds interesting? You are always welcome to reach out to us – we’d love to tell you more!