London, July 21, 2024 – British accessories brand Been London has announced an exciting collaboration with London-based materials start-up Arda Biomaterials, unveiling a revolutionary snakeskin-style handbag crafted from spent grain sourced locally from the iconic ‘Beer Mile’ in Bermondsey. This new version of Been London’s bestselling ‘Millais’ shoulder bag marks a significant milestone in sustainable fashion, showcasing Arda’s pioneering material, ‘New Grain’.
A Sustainable Innovation
The ‘New Grain’ material is an extraordinary next-generation fabric engineered from leftover plant proteins found in spent grain from London’s breweries. This innovative material offers a leather-like appearance with the luxurious feel and premium quality of traditional leather, while being completely animal and plastic-free.
Arda Biomaterials describes ‘New Grain’ as a game-changer in the world of sustainable materials. By bypassing animal-derived materials, the new fabric not only enhances resource efficiency but also achieves unique qualities that are unattainable with traditional animal skins. The material is customizable, allowing for variations in patterns, thickness, colors, elasticity, flexibility, and even scents.
Environmental Impact
The production process of ‘New Grain’ significantly reduces environmental impact compared to conventional leather. It generates 97 percent fewer CO2 emissions and avoids the harmful tanning process, contributing to a cleaner environment. Furthermore, the material is free from microplastics, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic fabrics.
The Collaboration
Edward TJ Mitchell, Chief Technology Officer of Arda Biomaterials, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We’re extremely proud to see our collaboration with Been London come to fruition with the launch of the first tangible product made from New Grain. This concept bag represents the culmination of extensive research and development, where we experimented with various material properties to achieve the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics.”
Genia Mineeva, Founder of Been London, echoed this enthusiasm: “Collaborating with Arda has been a fantastic experience. This partnership enables us to pioneer new materials and take a leading role in circular design and sustainable fashion. As a brand committed to creating premium products from materials that would otherwise be discarded, we’re thrilled about the potential of Arda’s innovation. The New Grain handbag is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”
Looking Ahead
The ‘Millais’ shoulder bag is the first in a forthcoming collection of accessories, which will include wallets, laptop cases, and additional bag styles, set to launch later this year. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the fashion industry’s journey towards sustainability, showcasing how innovative materials and creative partnerships can drive meaningful change.
As Been London and Arda Biomaterials continue to push the boundaries of sustainable fashion, the industry will be watching closely to see how these advancements will influence future trends and practices. The New Grain handbag not only highlights the potential of repurposing brewery waste but also sets a new standard for eco-conscious design.
