10089592Biophilica - Analysis of bio-coatings as an alternative to PU-coatings for advanced product applicationsClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKBiophilica's patented leather alternative Treekind(R) is 100% biobased, petrochemical-free and made from green waste. Solving the problem of a superior 100% biobased coating is critical to unlock hard-wearing applications like furniture and auto, requiring hydrophobicity and anti-scratch performance. Entering these markets would significantly impact Biophilica's revenue potential. We have achieved two different types of coatings that, through analysis, could be developed further as a bio-PU or bio-polyester. The global eco-friendly furniture market size was worth USD 43.26 billion in 2022, with 8.6% CAGR from 2022-2030 (GrandviewResearch-2022). Furniture and auto accounted for 47% of the global vegan leather market (GrandviewResearch-2019). Petrochemical-free materials appeal to millennials, but are rare (Vegconomist). Treekind(R) is attractive to UK and international brands looking for truly sustainable leather alternatives. We are testing Treekind(R) in manufacturing and capsule collections through relationships with a number of luxury, classic, casual brands. A superior coating will: - Pass hard-wearing ISO-testing for water spotting/wet veslic rub testing/soiling unlock lucrative markets including upholstery and automotive - Demonstrate high performance of sustainable and PU-free materials - Achieve resource efficiency Annually, 22 million furniture pieces are discarded in the UK -- the majority going to landfill (TheNorthLondonWasteAuthority). 8 million cars are scrapped each year (cartakeback.com-2023). By entering these markets, Treekind(R) will replace non-recycled materials that add to the UK's and world's waste problem. Biophilica's awards include Manufacturing Futures, Drapers Award, Microfiber Innovation Challenge, Women in Innovation. Biophilica is part of Fashion for Good and Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership. In this project, Biophilica will create multiple samples, followed by surface ISO-testing, mechanical ISO-testing, and chemical analysis.