Start-ups catch Kering’s eye at awards event in Japan
Alternative materials start-ups featured prominently in a competition that luxury group Kering has run in Japan.
A first-ever Kering Generation Award in Japan came to a conclusion on March 17, with Fermenstation, a company that produces aromatic essences from food waste, emerging as the overall winner. There were prizes, too, for Amphico and Algal Bio.
Amphico’s success is the result of a PFAS-free, breathable, waterproof textile material it has developed, and of a dyeing technique that captured the attention of the panel of judges at the awards. It uses an algorithm to create more than 1,000 colours using just six threads.
Third prize at the awards went to Algal Bio, which, after 20 years’ research on Japan’s marine algae, has developed methods of developing applications for fashion and other sectors for algae. These raw materials offer high levels of CO2 fixation and natural pigments that can provide UV protection in clothing.
At a ceremony in Tokyo, Kering also presented a special award to Micro Bio Factory. The judges said they were impressed by work the start-up has carried out to develop bio-indigo technology. It claims it use of biomass-derived raw materials can tackle environmental challenges in Japan’s denim industry.
Image: The Amphico team
