Cambridge-based biotech group Pact has secured £9m in seed funding as it prepares to open a 13,820 sq ft lab.
Founded in 2020, Pact develops “nature-inspired” biomaterials including its flagship product Oval, UKTN reported.
Made from natural collagen, Oval has been described by the startup as a “climate-responsible” alternative to leather.
Pact claimed if the textile industry used Oval in place of 1% of leather used, it would cut carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 4.8 million tonnes a year.
“Our commitment at Pact is to craft beautiful, adaptable materials inspired by and derived from the natural world,” said CEO Yudí Ding.
“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.”
Now backed by new funds, Pact will scale its production capabilities with new lab space in Cambridge.