Modern Meadow, a developer of collagen-based materials derived from plant proteins, has formed a strategic partnership with Navis TubeTex, a provider of textile machinery, to develop a sustainable textile manufacturing process.

The collaboration aims to integrate Modern Meadow's Bio-FREED process powered by Bio-Alloy, its miscible blend of plant-based protein and bio-polymer technology with Navis TubeTex's advanced Gaston Systems foam technology equipment to revolutionize the dyeing, finishing, and coating process of the textile industry.

The Bio-FREED manufacturing process offers a sustainable manufacturing process—particularly for blended textiles—reducing water usage by around 95%, lowering energy consumption by 75%, and decreasing the need for dyes and chemicals by 80%. Meanwhile, Gaston Systems, a specialized system, applies a low-water-foamed chemistry onto or into substrates. By combining the expertise, the companies aim to create a faster, more resource-efficient, and sustainable manufacturing process. 

The companies also reported that they expect to showcase their partnership at ITMA 2023 and have been nominated for the ITMA Innovation Award.

Analyst QuickTake: Modern meadow has been developing its biofabrication technology to create an alternative to fossil fuel-based textile coatings and utilize this technology to upscale biomaterials for various applications. While this partnership focuses on developing a sustainable manufacturing process, the company has also been partnering to develop biomaterials for various applications. Early this year, it partnered with Singtex and Tory Burch to develop products using Bio-Alloy.