Biotech secures £9m to expand collagen-based biomaterial for the fashion industry

PACT

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE spinout PACT has secured £9m (US$12m) to scale the production of its “versatile” biomaterial made from natural collagen.

The material, called Oval, was designed for use in the fashion industry, responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Yudí Ding, CEO at PACT, said: “Our commitment at PACT is to craft beautiful, adaptable materials inspired by and derived from the natural world.

“We have poured energy and creativity into our innovations, ensuring they can meet the standards of the world’s most prestigious brands and respect their heritage, whilst also being truly scalable.”

Revolutionary material

Collagen is a structural protein that is typically derived from animal organisms for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

PACT collaborated with collagen producers to develop a process that uses recycled collagen to produce a skin which can imitate leather in both look and feel.

The company says its patented process is chemical-free and requires less water than traditional leather production.

PACT will use the funding to build a new headquarters in Cambridge which will include a lab and pilot production facility.