Modern Meadow is working on a technology that makes it possible to fabricate real leather in a factory, no animals involved. The leather made by Modern Meadow is the same as real leather, but, according to the company, requires 80% fewer toxic chemicals and avoids the pollution, cruelty, and waste that goes along with raising and killing animals. The question that comes to my mind is: how can it be “real” leather, if it doesn’t come from an animal? How “real” can it be? A couple of years ago Maastricht University came up with the Cultured Beef Burger: real meat made in a lab. Back then I didn’t question myself how the meat could be “real”, but now I do. Why? Have I become more critical? Maybe it’s because we already have fake-(but very realistic)leather. Anyway, this could be a great way to and the killing of animals just for their skin forever. Yes we can make very realistic fake leather, but the fashion industry doesn’t take this for granted. This may push them over the edge to end the killing. After all, it is “real” leather.
In my last post about the EvaDrop I told you about the trend sustainability and how EvaDrop is a part of this. In a earlier post I told you about the fur-free shopping street in Amsterdam. Now I want to show you a connection between these two posts.
Sustainability is hot and a lot of companies are investing in this trend. There are also a lot of new businesses starting based on this trend. Modern Meadow is one of them and they are making good success. The company started in 2011. Now they have got a new investment of $40 million, are doubling their staff to 70 people and they are looking for a bigger facility in New York City. So, what makes them so interesting and innovative?
MODERN MEADOW
Photo: A scientist of Modern Meadow holding a small piece of leather
Photo: Scientists at work in the lab
