Authentic Material, a French manufacturer specializing in natural materials derived from recycled leather, has announced it has secured $5.3 million in a recent funding round. This investment marks a significant step for the company as it scales its operations to address the environmental impact of leather production and waste.
The company focuses on transforming leather deposits, often considered waste from the food industry, into new, valuable materials. Authentic Material employs an exclusive, patented continuous grinding process to convert these deposits into a homogeneous submillimeter powder. This powder forms the basis for its two distinct material ranges: PHOENIX and QILIN. PHOENIX creates rigid materials solely from leather powder through thermopressing, offering new possibilities for designers and artists. The QILIN range comprises composites that combine 50% leather powder with 50% recycled or bio-sourced polymers, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics with excellent mechanical properties and full recyclability.
This capital infusion is poised to accelerate Authentic Material's industrialization efforts and expand its production capabilities. The funds will be strategically deployed to enhance manufacturing processes, increase output of its QILIN and PHOENIX material ranges, and further invest in research and development to broaden its portfolio of sustainable material innovations. The company's approach not only extends the life of leather but also reduces the reliance on virgin plastics, fostering a more circular and responsible economy.
The successful funding round underscores investor confidence in Authentic Material's innovative technology and its potential to drive significant change in the sustainable materials sector. Looking ahead, the company plans to leverage this investment to solidify its position as a leader in recycled leather materials, aiming to substantially increase its annual production capacity and expand its market reach, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future for manufacturing.
