At the London Design Festival, London-based biotechnology company Modern Synthesis unveiled a reimagined design of GANNI's Bou handbag made with bacterial nanocellulose. While the original Bou bag was made from recycled animal leather, the newly unveiled design is a feat of not only material innovation but also a representation of the Danish fashion brand's commitment to eliminating virgin leather from its products by 2030.
Using a proprietary biotechnology process, Modern Synthesis transforms sugar derived from agricultural waste into nanocellulose fibers and according to the company, the resulting material is eight times stronger than steel. "Collaborating with GANNI on the Bou Bag has allowed us to showcase the viability of bacterial cellulose-based materials in real-world applications," said Jen Keane, CEO of Modern Synthesis.
Commercially, the Bou handbag is set to be launched in early 2025.
Bacterial Cellulose Handbags
GANNI's Bou Handbag is Made with a Modern Synthesis Innovation
Trend Themes
1. Bacterial Nanocellulose Materials - The use of bacterial nanocellulose as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials presents disruptive innovation opportunities for various industries.
2. Material Innovation in Fashion - The reimagined design of GANNI's Bou handbag demonstrates a commitment to material innovation in the fashion industry, offering disruptive opportunities for sustainable fashion brands.
3. Eliminating Virgin Leather - The goal of eliminating virgin leather from products by 2030, as showcased in the Bou handbag design, presents disruptive innovation opportunities for companies in the leather goods industry.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry has the opportunity to embrace material innovation and sustainable alternatives such as bacterial nanocellulose.
2. Biotechnology Industry - The development of bacterial nanocellulose materials requires advancements in biotechnology and presents disruptive opportunities for the industry.
3. Leather Goods Industry - The push to eliminate virgin leather from products creates disruptive innovation opportunities for companies in the leather goods industry to explore alternative materials.