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Inspired by local microbreweries, London-based start-up Arda Biomaterials has made a plastic-free leather alternative by altering the protein structures in brewer's spent grain.
Arda's New Grain™ is made by taking the spent grain or "draff" from beer or whisky production and reconstructing its plant proteins to make them more like animal proteins.
The fundraising round was led by Hamburg based Oyster Bay, along with continued support from Clean Growth Fund, and new support from Kadmos Capital, and Green Angel Ventures. This investment will enable Arda to roll out the commercialisation of New Grain, develop continuous roll-to-roll production methods, and further improve material performance characteristics.
Jan 2025
In an article featured on BBC Future, innovative applications of brewers' spent grains are unveiled, including our New Grain™ material. We're thrilled to be highlighted alongside other pioneers transforming brewing by-products into valuable new materials!
Our co-founder Brett Cotten shared the story of Arda Biomaterials' journey in creating sustainable materials from beer by-products. Brett discussed the company's origins, challenges, and key milestones, alongside insights from The Mills Fabrica.
Arda Biomaterials' clip in BBC's technology and innovation show, BBC Click, is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Learn more about the process of making our first innovation.
Our co-founders have made it on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in the manufacturing and industry category.
Feb 2024
In a recent feature on Fast Company, Arda Biomaterials is recognised for its innovative use of brewery waste to create a sustainable leather alternative.
It was our first big event, welcoming everyone to our new lab & office at the Leather Market, and we think we're allowed to say that it was a big success! We had a great selection of brewers, investors, designers, academics, entrepreneurs, journalists, and so many of the people who have supported us along the way!
Led by the award-winning Clean Growth Fund, with the support of Plug and Play Tech Center, Serpentine Ventures, Satgana, and a suite of angel investors from climate, alt protein, and fashion, this round is enabling Arda to steam ahead on our mission to develop materials that don't rely on animals and plastic to perform.
The Mills Fabrica hosted an industry event themed around 'Planet-Saving Innovations' as part of London Craft Week 2023.
Sharing a bit more about the startups showcasing at the event, Arda Biomaterials is highlighted as one of the material innovators alongside companies like BioFluff, Saltyco, Colorifix, and Fibe.
From nearly 3,000 applications, Arda Biomaterials has been selected as one of 20 finalists for our New Grain material.
A bit like Love Island meets Dragon's Den for the Brits or the Bachelor meets Shark Tank for the Americans, Brett and TJ teamed up and were subsequently funded by the accelerator and talent investor Entrepreneur First.