In a significant move poised to transform the world of sustainable materials, PACT has successfully raised £9 million in a Seed funding round. This capital will accelerate the development of their innovative biomaterials, with a special focus on their flagship product, Oval—a versatile material crafted from natural collagen.
Located in the heart of Cambridge, PACT has invested in a sprawling new headquarters, encompassing 13,820 square feet that will house state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot production facilities. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions in the fashion and luxury industries.
“PACT is dedicated to creating beautiful, adaptable materials inspired by the natural world,” said Yudí Ding, CEO of PACT. “We are infusing energy and creativity into our innovations to meet the high standards of the world’s prestigious brands while ensuring scalability. Our partnerships with luxury maisons mark a new era of collaboration where sustainability meets elegance.”
The funding round saw participation from notable investors including Hoxton Ventures, ReGen Ventures, Celsius Industries, and Polytechnique Ventures. This financial backing will empower PACT to enhance its production capabilities, invest in further biomaterial research, and introduce foundational materials to diverse sectors, extending far beyond fashion.
At the core of PACT’s innovation lies Oval, a groundbreaking material derived entirely from natural collagen—a key ingredient in high-end cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Through collaboration with leading collagen manufacturers, PACT has developed a patented process that transforms cosmetic-grade collagen into skins that can be enriched with natural ingredients. The unique qualities of Oval—such as its skin-like texture, suppleness, and durability—have already attracted attention from top fashion houses globally, eager to integrate this material into their designs.
What sets Oval apart is its remarkable adaptability. It can mimic traditional materials like leather while also offering a fresh aesthetic reminiscent of canvas. Designers can manipulate Oval in various textures, colors, and patterns, providing them with unprecedented creative freedom. Furthermore, PACT’s biomaterials are designed as “drop-in solutions,” allowing brands to adopt them without requiring new machinery—a key factor for commercial success.
Emphasizing the sustainability angle, the production of textiles and leather contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. PACT’s Oval not only reduces water consumption but also has a dramatically lower carbon footprint. The adoption of Oval for just 1% of current leather and synthetic textile usage could lead to a reduction of 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions each year.
As PACT embarks on this ambitious journey, the team aims to explore opportunities across various industries, including footwear, interiors, and automotive, while continuing to develop a broader suite of transformative biomaterials.
Charles Seely, General Partner at Hoxton Ventures, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s prospects: “We have been incredibly impressed by Yudí, Niels, and the wider PACT team. Their innovative biomaterial technology fuses the aesthetics of heritage materials with high-performance, scalable production, aligning perfectly with the demands of leading luxury brands.”
Editorial Perspective:
The potential for PACT to disrupt traditional industries is significant. As sustainability becomes a pressing concern across sectors, PACT’s innovative approach to biomaterials offers a compelling solution. By harnessing the natural properties of collagen, the company is not only addressing environmental challenges but also redefining aesthetic standards in luxury fashion.
With a solid foundation laid during Ding’s PhD research and a team brimming with talent, PACT is well-positioned to lead a paradigm shift in material science. Their collaborations with high-end brands suggest a promising future where sustainability is not just a trend, but an integral part of luxury fashion. PACT stands at the forefront of an exciting transformation—one where beauty and environmental responsibility coexist harmoniously.
If you need further assistance or have any corrections, please reach out to editor@thetimesmag.com.
