Nestled near the iconic Tower Bridge in London lies the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a vibrant stretch that has transformed from an industrial hub to a lively enclave of craft breweries and taprooms. This unlikely setting has inspired a unique collaboration between sustainable innovation and luxury fashion, as Arda Biomaterials has unveiled its first product: a snakeskin handbag crafted from spent grain sourced from the breweries along the Beer Mile.
Founded in 2022, Arda Biomaterials is on a mission to revolutionize the materials used in industries such as fashion and automotive. The company utilizes spent grain—a byproduct of the beer brewing process—to create alternative materials that aim to replace traditional leather and plastics. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also taps into the growing demand for sustainable products.
Brett Cotten, co-founder of Arda, initially envisioned using spent brewers’ grain to develop alternative meat products. However, after a conversation with a friend at Anheuser-Busch, he pivoted towards materials. “Materials are much more forgiving than protein isolates for food,” Cotten explained in an interview with AgFunderNews. This realization led to the exploration of wearable materials, ultimately culminating in the collaboration with BEEN London to produce the MILLAIS bag, a stylish accessory that showcases the potential of biomaterials.
The partnership with BEEN London was a strategic move for Arda, as the fashion brand had prior experience working with alternative materials. Cotten noted that the collaboration not only allows Arda to demonstrate the capabilities of its innovative materials but also emphasizes the importance of local supply chains. The spent grain used in the MILLAIS bag is sourced from Colonel Brewery, located just a stone’s throw away from BEEN London.
What makes this venture particularly interesting is the synergy between the brewing and fashion industries. Cotten highlighted that brewers are not just manufacturers; they are scientists and engineers who operate sophisticated facilities. This unique relationship enables Arda to leverage brewing equipment and expertise, facilitating the scaling of production while maintaining quality. Additionally, the breweries often sponsor various cultural events, creating valuable connections that can help Arda reach potential customers in the fashion and automotive sectors.
As Arda continues to grow, the company is already exploring other applications for its materials beyond handbags. Cotten mentioned that they are developing solutions for infrastructure, packaging, and even adhesives for textiles. This diversification positions Arda as a key player in the burgeoning field of sustainable materials, addressing the pressing need for alternatives to conventional plastics and leathers.
However, the journey is not without its challenges. Arda operates from a modest facility, having started in a kitchen and gradually expanding to a 1,000 square foot lab. Despite the growing demand for their products, the small team faces limitations in production capacity, necessitating careful selection of projects to pursue.
The emergence of Arda Biomaterials and its innovative approach to sustainability is a testament to the potential of circular economies in urban settings. By transforming waste into valuable materials, the company not only reduces environmental impact but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between industries. As the demand for sustainable products continues to rise, Arda’s initiatives could pave the way for a new era of eco-conscious fashion and manufacturing, where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand.