Material Innovation: Beyond Leather Materials

The story of how I founded the startup 'Beyond Leather Materials' starts in a university kitchen lab and was guided by a biologist, where I conducted biomimetic research and prototyping to create a tactile, sustainable alternative to leather. 

I made over 500 experiments in a Material Driven Design in Biomimicry course, looking to nature for design inspiration, studying the apple and aiming to use it's components to their highest potential without any harmful chemicals or unnecessary additives. 

In my Material Driven Design course at KEA - Københavns Erhvervsakademi, I developed a material from apple-pulp waste from a local cider company into wristbands. After our final exhibition, the company commissioned 550 laser-cut wristbands for the 2016 Rigtig Cider Festival in Copenhagen, which sparked the launch of the startup. 

I pitched my idea and searched for a team while leading the development of a bio-based material. I collaborated with designers, engineers, and material scientists to prototype, test, and refine this totally new raw material, sold to the fashion industry by the meter. 

We worked through challenges in durability, structure, and functionality, and met industry material standards. 

(Chair image above: customer product.)