Luxury conglomerate Kering has participated in an investment round for American start-up VitroLabs, which aims to develop a lab-grown material that mimics the appearance, texture, and performance of traditional leather. This innovative material not only prioritizes animal welfare but also reduces the environmental impact associated with leather production. VitroLabs, a biotechnology company, plans to create cultured leather using animal cells in a lab setting.
VitroLabs recently concluded a successful Series A funding round, raising $46 million. Agronomics led the investment round, with participation from various key players, including BESTSELLER’s Invest FWD, Khosla Ventures, Leonardo DiCaprio, New Agrarian, Regeneration VC, and now Kering. The involvement of such prominent investors underscores the growing interest and support for sustainable and ethical alternatives within the fashion industry.
Aside from its financial contribution, Kering has been actively collaborating with VitroLabs to support the development and refinement of quality testing, tanning, and finishing processes. Marie-Claire Daveu, the Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Global Institutional Affairs at Kering, expressed the luxury group’s dedication to exploring alternative materials that can effectively reduce their long-term environmental impact. The company views innovation as a critical element in tackling sustainability challenges within the luxury industry, particularly in terms of leveraging biomaterials, such as cultivated leather.
Kering’s recent investment in VitroLabs builds upon its involvement in a biotech consortium focused on Mylo, another animal leather alternative made from the filaments of fungal mycelium. These strategic moves by Kering demonstrate its commitment to driving sustainability and promoting the adoption of innovative solutions throughout the fashion world.
