A UK-based tissue engineering company, 3D Bio-Tissues (3DBT), has recently announced a major breakthrough in the production of lab-grown leather. Although the product is still in the sampling stage, the team believes that this innovation could revolutionize the luxury fashion industry.
The lab-grown leather, also known as ’tissue-engineered skin,’ is created using cells exclusively, making it a sustainable alternative for the luxury goods market. The tanning expertise required for this process comes from the University of Northampton, ensuring that the final product is both ethical and environmentally friendly.
During the Future Fabrics Expo in London, the 3DBT team showcased bio-engineered samples that are structurally and genetically identical to traditional leather. What sets this lab-grown leather apart is the use of the company’s patented serum-free and animal-free cell culture media supplement, City-mix, which accelerates tissue production and reduces production costs.
By utilizing immortalized cells collected from an adult female horse, 3DBT is able to create a skin/hide structure in the lab over a six-week period without the need for additional supporting materials like plastics or cellulose. This process ensures that the final product is 100% animal tissue without any harm to animals, making it suitable for various luxury goods such as footwear, apparel, handbags, furniture, and accessories.
Compared to traditional leather, lab-grown leather offers several advantages. It is more consistent in composition and thickness, free of natural imperfections, and can be scaled up to produce larger quantities of material. Additionally, it is expected to biodegrade within 10-50 years, a stark contrast to polymer-based leather alternatives that can take over 500 years to decompose.
The collaboration between the University of Northampton and 3DBT was made possible through funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other co-funders, highlighting the importance of sustainable innovation in the fashion industry. This development signifies a significant step towards creating a more environmentally conscious and animal-friendly alternative to traditional leather, paving the way for a more sustainable future in luxury fashion.