#1: Nicole Rawling, CEO of the Material Innovation Initiative Artwork

Next-Gen Materials Podcast

In a world of rampant consumerism, fast-fashion, single-use obsession, and ever-growing trash heaps, the choice of materials we use to produce everyday objects is becoming increasingly crucial to the well-being of present and future generations. This podcast highlights new technologies that are being used to create the world's next generation materials. Stay tuned to learn how biotech and other creative, novel technologies are being used to produce less waste, reduce harm to the environment, and obviate the need for animals in the materials industry.

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Next-Gen Materials Podcast

#1: Nicole Rawling, CEO of the Material Innovation Initiative

September 17, 2021 • Season 1 • Episode 1

In this episode, I am joined by Nicole Rawling, CEO and co-founder of the Material Innovation Initiative (MII). Nicole tells us how and why MII got started in 2019, and her story behind how she went from practicing law to starting a material science organization. She delineates the basic technologies that are currently being used to replace animal-derived materials such as silk, leather, fur, down feathers, and exotic skins used in the fashion, home goods, and automotive industries. We discuss why replacing these animal-derived materials is necessary, challenges in the space, and how material innovation is complementing the agricultural innovation we are seeing in the food industry.

For more information about MII and to read their latest reports, visit www.materialinnovation.org.