PACT: Weaving Nature into the Fabric of Fashion
September 26, 2024, 11:24 pm
Location: United Kingdom, England, Cambridge
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1960
Total raised: $235.93M
In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, PACT emerges as a beacon of innovation. This Cambridge-based company has raised £9 million in a Seed round to revolutionize the fashion industry with biomaterials inspired by nature. Their flagship product, Oval, is not just a material; it’s a statement. A statement that beauty and sustainability can coexist.
Founded in 2020 by Yudí Ding and Niels Ramay, PACT is built on a foundation of scientific rigor and creative vision. The duo’s journey began during Ding’s PhD research at the University of Cambridge, where he explored proteins found within and around cells. This exploration birthed the idea of creating a biomaterial derived entirely from natural sources. The result? Oval—a scalable, climate-responsible material crafted from natural collagen.
Oval is more than a product; it’s a revolution in the making. It has already caught the attention of leading luxury fashion houses, eager to embrace its versatility and aesthetic potential. The fashion industry, often criticized for its environmental impact, is now looking to PACT for solutions. Oval’s skin-like quality mimics traditional materials like leather, yet it offers a broader canvas for creativity. Designers can emboss, print, and finish it in myriad ways, allowing for limitless artistic expression.
The Seed funding will propel PACT into a new phase of growth. The company plans to scale up production capabilities and invest in further biomaterial breakthroughs. Their new 13,820 square foot headquarters in Cambridge will house a laboratory and pilot production facility, marking a significant step toward commercialization. This facility is not just a space; it’s a launchpad for innovation.
PACT’s commitment to sustainability is woven into the very fabric of its mission. The production of textiles and leather contributes a staggering 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. In contrast, Oval’s production uses significantly less water and has a dramatically reduced carbon footprint. Just a 1% shift from traditional leather and synthetic textiles to Oval could save 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 each year. This is not just a drop in the ocean; it’s a tidal wave of change.
The luxury fashion industry is at a crossroads. Brands are under pressure to reduce their climate footprints while maintaining their heritage and quality. PACT’s biomaterials offer a lifeline. They are designed as “drop-in solutions,” meaning they can be integrated into existing production processes without the need for new machinery. This ease of adoption is crucial for brands looking to pivot toward sustainability without sacrificing quality.
The allure of Oval extends beyond fashion. PACT is eyeing expansion into footwear, interiors, and automotive industries. The potential applications are vast, and the demand for sustainable materials is growing. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, brands must adapt or risk obsolescence. PACT stands ready to meet this demand with innovative solutions.
Investors are taking notice. Hoxton Ventures, ReGen Ventures, Celsius Industries, and Polytechnique Ventures have all joined the PACT journey. Their confidence in PACT’s vision speaks volumes. The company’s innovative biomaterial technology combines the aesthetics of traditional materials with high-performance production capabilities. This duality is essential for meeting the rigorous demands of luxury brands.
The fashion industry is notorious for its wastefulness. Fast fashion has led to a culture of disposability, where garments are worn a few times before being discarded. PACT’s approach challenges this norm. By creating materials that are not only beautiful but also sustainable, PACT is paving the way for a new era in fashion. An era where elegance does not come at the expense of the planet.
The journey ahead is not without challenges. The path to industrialization is fraught with obstacles, but PACT is equipped to navigate them. The team’s expertise in science and engineering provides a solid foundation for overcoming hurdles. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability will be key drivers of success.
As PACT continues to grow, it will undoubtedly face scrutiny. The fashion industry is not known for its transparency, and consumers are becoming increasingly discerning. PACT must maintain its commitment to sustainability and quality while scaling operations. This balancing act will be crucial for building trust with both consumers and luxury brands.
In conclusion, PACT is more than a company; it’s a movement. A movement toward a more sustainable future in fashion. With its innovative biomaterials, PACT is weaving nature into the fabric of luxury. The world is watching, and the stakes are high. Will PACT succeed in its mission to transform the industry? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey has only just begun.
Founded in 2020 by Yudí Ding and Niels Ramay, PACT is built on a foundation of scientific rigor and creative vision. The duo’s journey began during Ding’s PhD research at the University of Cambridge, where he explored proteins found within and around cells. This exploration birthed the idea of creating a biomaterial derived entirely from natural sources. The result? Oval—a scalable, climate-responsible material crafted from natural collagen.
Oval is more than a product; it’s a revolution in the making. It has already caught the attention of leading luxury fashion houses, eager to embrace its versatility and aesthetic potential. The fashion industry, often criticized for its environmental impact, is now looking to PACT for solutions. Oval’s skin-like quality mimics traditional materials like leather, yet it offers a broader canvas for creativity. Designers can emboss, print, and finish it in myriad ways, allowing for limitless artistic expression.
The Seed funding will propel PACT into a new phase of growth. The company plans to scale up production capabilities and invest in further biomaterial breakthroughs. Their new 13,820 square foot headquarters in Cambridge will house a laboratory and pilot production facility, marking a significant step toward commercialization. This facility is not just a space; it’s a launchpad for innovation.
PACT’s commitment to sustainability is woven into the very fabric of its mission. The production of textiles and leather contributes a staggering 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. In contrast, Oval’s production uses significantly less water and has a dramatically reduced carbon footprint. Just a 1% shift from traditional leather and synthetic textiles to Oval could save 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 each year. This is not just a drop in the ocean; it’s a tidal wave of change.
The luxury fashion industry is at a crossroads. Brands are under pressure to reduce their climate footprints while maintaining their heritage and quality. PACT’s biomaterials offer a lifeline. They are designed as “drop-in solutions,” meaning they can be integrated into existing production processes without the need for new machinery. This ease of adoption is crucial for brands looking to pivot toward sustainability without sacrificing quality.
The allure of Oval extends beyond fashion. PACT is eyeing expansion into footwear, interiors, and automotive industries. The potential applications are vast, and the demand for sustainable materials is growing. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, brands must adapt or risk obsolescence. PACT stands ready to meet this demand with innovative solutions.
Investors are taking notice. Hoxton Ventures, ReGen Ventures, Celsius Industries, and Polytechnique Ventures have all joined the PACT journey. Their confidence in PACT’s vision speaks volumes. The company’s innovative biomaterial technology combines the aesthetics of traditional materials with high-performance production capabilities. This duality is essential for meeting the rigorous demands of luxury brands.
The fashion industry is notorious for its wastefulness. Fast fashion has led to a culture of disposability, where garments are worn a few times before being discarded. PACT’s approach challenges this norm. By creating materials that are not only beautiful but also sustainable, PACT is paving the way for a new era in fashion. An era where elegance does not come at the expense of the planet.
The journey ahead is not without challenges. The path to industrialization is fraught with obstacles, but PACT is equipped to navigate them. The team’s expertise in science and engineering provides a solid foundation for overcoming hurdles. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability will be key drivers of success.
As PACT continues to grow, it will undoubtedly face scrutiny. The fashion industry is not known for its transparency, and consumers are becoming increasingly discerning. PACT must maintain its commitment to sustainability and quality while scaling operations. This balancing act will be crucial for building trust with both consumers and luxury brands.
In conclusion, PACT is more than a company; it’s a movement. A movement toward a more sustainable future in fashion. With its innovative biomaterials, PACT is weaving nature into the fabric of luxury. The world is watching, and the stakes are high. Will PACT succeed in its mission to transform the industry? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey has only just begun.