The "GFI of vegan materials" is shutting down after operating since 2019. They were an ACE-recommended charity at one point. No rationale is given in the announcement. I asked for more, and will update this post if they respond.
Dear Valued Stakeholders,
I am writing to you with mixed emotions to share some important news regarding the future of the Material Innovation Initiative (MII). After a thorough evaluation and much deliberation, the board of directors and the executive leadership team have made the difficult decision to wind down MII's operations. While this marks the end of our journey as an organization, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate our many accomplishments and the tremendous growth of the next-gen materials industry, as well as express our gratitude for your unwavering support over the past five years.
A Legacy of Impact and Innovation
Since our founding in 2019, MII has been at the forefront of transforming the next-gen materials industry. Our mission was clear: to accelerate the development of high-quality, high-performance, animal-free and environmentally preferred next-generation materials. We envisioned a world where the materials used in fashion, automotive, and home goods industries would protect human rights, mitigate climate change, spare animals’ lives, and preserve our planet for future generations.
Thanks to your support, we have made significant strides towards this vision:
- Catalyzing Investments: MII has been instrumental in inspiring over $2.31 billion in investments into next-gen materials, including $504 million in 2023 alone. These investments have driven innovation and growth across the sector, enabling the development of materials that meet performance, aesthetic, and sustainability needs at competitive prices.
- Research and Advocacy: Our pioneering research, such as the U.S. Consumer Research on next-gen materials, revealed that 92% of consumers are likely to purchase next-gen products, highlighting a significant market opportunity. Our State of the Industry reports have been vital resources for innovators, brands, and investors, saving them time and guiding strategic decision-making.
- Brand Collaborations: We have facilitated groundbreaking partnerships between next-gen material innovators and major brands. In 2023, we saw almost 400 collaborations between influential brands and next-gen material companies, showing the increasing interest from brands to incorporate next-gen materials into their collections. This also illustrates the tremendous potential of next-gen materials to disrupt the fashion, home goods and automotive industries.
- Global Influence and Advocacy: MII has been appointed to influential roles, such as serving on the New York City Mayor’s Office task force to source sustainable materials. Our participation in global events have increased visibility for next-gen materials, reaching audiences across the world and bringing together stakeholders across the value chain to drive collective action.
The Evolution of the Industry
Since we began our journey in 2019, the landscape of the materials industry has changed dramatically. The concept of next-gen materials has gone from a niche idea to a critical component of sustainability strategies for leading global brands. Today, there are 141 companies dedicated to next-gen materials, up from just 102 in 2022, demonstrating the rapid growth and adoption within the industry.
This increased innovation has brought down prices, improved quality, and expanded the range of available materials, making them viable alternatives to conventional animal and petrochemical-derived materials. The industry is now well-positioned to continue advancing towards a more sustainable and humane future without the direct involvement of MII.
A Heartfelt Thank You
None of our achievements would have been possible without the generous support of our stakeholders—donors, investors, scientists, innovators, and brands. You believed in our mission and worked alongside us to create a better world for humans, animals and the planet. We are profoundly grateful for your commitment, support and partnership over the past few years.
As we move into this next chapter, we encourage you to stay engaged with the community and continue supporting the burgeoning next-gen materials sector. Your ongoing commitment is crucial to maintaining the momentum we have built together.
While this is goodbye for MII, the impact of our work will continue to resonate across the industry, thanks to the foundations we have laid together.
Thank you once again for being a part of this journey.
With sincere appreciation,
Jacqueline Kravette
Director & President of the Board of Directors
Material Innovation Initiative
Maybe not popular opinion but I am indifferent to these “ecosystem” enablers. I must add that I’m in now way an expert on the MII, the people or their direct output. Im talking in more general terms.
If I might venture, we need less “brand collabs” and connectors and more doers in the lab. Progress in this area has been slow and there is no compelling argument that contemporary animal-free materials are less harmful overall.
Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding and if we as consumers can actually buy these on our local high street.
I always like to point people towards the story of PET or Dyneema for a bit of colour on how concentrated we have to be on an idea.
I agree that the key bottlneck in alt proteins and next gen materials is "doers in the lab", and that is a key goal of the GFI and was a key goal of MII. I also agree that a key factor is whether consumers can buy a great product. But surely you agree that getting a product to market and in the hands of consumers is about far more than simply making a great product?
People won't go into a field if they don't think anyone will care about their research. They won't found companies and recruit those lab scientists if don't think there is consumer demand. Governments won't fund it if they don't think consumers (aka voters) care.