SUPPLIER
MODERN SYNTHESIS
Modern Synthesis is a biotechnology company bringing life to new materials. Founded by ex-Adidas designer Jen Keane and synthetic biologist Dr. Ben Reeve, the company uses material science to transform bacterial nanocellulose – a natural byproduct of fermentation – into a new class of responsible textiles and coatings. Designed for application in the fashion industry and beyond, their biobased products not only provide desirable lower impact alternatives to animal leathers and plastic-based ‘vegan’ textiles, but also generate entirely new textile possibilities for designers.
SUSTAINABILITY PURPOSE
The materials that dominate today’s fashion landscape are pushing planetary boundaries to the brink. With as much as 80% of a product’s environmental impact determined at the design stage, a brand’s material portfolio plays a critical role in its environmental footprint. However, a lack of viable alternatives that offer aesthetics, quality, and sustainability means designers are often forced to compromise. Modern Synthesis is forging a new path forward. Inspired by the growing behaviours of nature’s oldest engineers – microbes – they have developed a novel class of biomaterials to mitigate fashion’s environmental imprint. The technology harnesses the brilliance of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), a naturally occurring raw material that is eight times stronger than steel at the nanoscale. By reducing reliance on toxic chemicals, synthetic additives, and carbon-intensive materials in textile production, Modern Synthesis amplifies nature’s genius with intentional human design. Combining design know-how with cutting-edge material science and green chemistries, these versatile biomaterials provide a high-quality alternative to animal leathers and synthetic-coated textiles. Looking ahead, because the nanocellulose-producing bacteria can feed on diverse feedstocks – including agricultural waste – this technology holds the potential for closed-loop production, helping to power a truly circular bioeconomy.
Established
2019
First Certified
2025
Headquarters
London, UK
First Certified
2024
Employees
24
Product Category
Biomaterials
Website
REAL CHANGE IN ACTION
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
Modern Synthesis is dedicated to pioneering sustainable innovation, with 100% of its Research and Development (R&D) investments directed towards sustainability-focused initiatives. This strategic approach drives the development and scaling of groundbreaking textile innovations, recycling technologies, and research collaborations aimed at advancing environmental responsibility in the fashion industry. To cultivate a culture of innovation in their team, Modern Synthesis prioritises developing competencies that fuel creative problem-solving, regularly evaluates its innovation culture, and fosters multidisciplinary collaborations to enhance creativity and efficiency. Modern Synthesis ensures the effectiveness of its innovations through rigorous validation processes, including testing, pilot programmes, and experiments. Key sustainability efforts include developing biobased, non-toxic textiles, advancing textile recycling technologies, and collaborating with research groups to study and reduce microfibre shedding. These initiatives reinforce the company’s leadership in sustainable material innovation.
CLIMATE
Modern Synthesis has identified key climate risks and opportunities to shape its strategic focus, ensuring its operations align with its environmental commitments. The company actively measures and manages its upstream Scope 3 emissions, including those from purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel- and energy-related activities, transportation and distribution, waste generation, business travel, and employee commuting. The company has completed a preliminary anticipatory Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) which identified areas for improvement and allowed them to implement corrective actions effectively. They continue to allocate resources to drive meaningful reductions in downstream scope 3 emissions. Additionally, the company is committed to minimising the environmental impact of transportation by optimising distribution and supply chain logistics. Modern Synthesis collaborates with key suppliers to collect data on greenhouse gas emissions. These proactive measures underscore the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and fostering a sustainable supply chain.
HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING
Modern Synthesis upholds exemplary health, safety, and well-being practices in the fashion supply sector. The company is dedicated to preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and incidents by adhering to national health and safety laws. Its robust policies, outlined in an employee handbook and communicated directly to staff, emphasise both physical and mental well-being. To prevent health and safety incidents, Modern Synthesis provides personal protective equipment, conducts structural and fire safety inspections, and ensures proper housekeeping. Employees receive training on workplace risks, the safe handling of materials, and anti-discrimination measures. Additionally, they benefit from health insurance, access to safe drinking water, sanitary facilities, and flexible working conditions. The company conducts safety inspections quarterly and ensures full compliance with local emergency regulations. Employee training sessions on health and safety are held biannually to reinforce best practices and workplace safety awareness.
CIRCULARITY
Modern Synthesis has established a robust policy to promote the circular economy, integrating circular principles into its long-term business strategy. This approach includes short-term initiatives, feasibility pilots, and a commitment to an annual review to refine and expand circularity applications. A dedicated team is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy. The company considers circularity across multiple stages of its value chain, including circular inputs, circular design and production, and reverse logistics and recovery. Currently, 75–99% of the inputs used in its products are derived from renewable resources. Modern Synthesis is also engaged in a grant-funded research project with European partners to develop fully circular versions of its materials. The company’s technology is designed for integration with existing manufacturing infrastructure in fashion and other industries, supporting a transition away from high-emitting, fossil-fuel-derived and polluting material production. Through these efforts, Modern Synthesis contributes to the broader transformation of the fashion industry towards circularity.
Modern Synthesis is dedicated to pioneering sustainable innovation, with 100% of its Research and Development (R&D) investments directed towards sustainability-focused initiatives. This strategic approach drives the development and scaling of groundbreaking textile innovations, recycling technologies, and research collaborations aimed at advancing environmental responsibility in the fashion industry. To cultivate a culture of innovation in their team, Modern Synthesis prioritises developing competencies that fuel creative problem-solving, regularly evaluates its innovation culture, and fosters multidisciplinary collaborations to enhance creativity and efficiency. Modern Synthesis ensures the effectiveness of its innovations through rigorous validation processes, including testing, pilot programmes, and experiments. Key sustainability efforts include developing biobased, non-toxic textiles, advancing textile recycling technologies, and collaborating with research groups to study and reduce microfibre shedding. These initiatives reinforce the company’s leadership in sustainable material innovation.
Modern Synthesis has identified key climate risks and opportunities to shape its strategic focus, ensuring its operations align with its environmental commitments. The company actively measures and manages its upstream Scope 3 emissions, including those from purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel- and energy-related activities, transportation and distribution, waste generation, business travel, and employee commuting. The company has completed a preliminary anticipatory Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) which identified areas for improvement and allowed them to implement corrective actions effectively. They continue to allocate resources to drive meaningful reductions in downstream scope 3 emissions. Additionally, the company is committed to minimising the environmental impact of transportation by optimising distribution and supply chain logistics. Modern Synthesis collaborates with key suppliers to collect data on greenhouse gas emissions. These proactive measures underscore the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and fostering a sustainable supply chain.
Modern Synthesis upholds exemplary health, safety, and well-being practices in the fashion supply sector. The company is dedicated to preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and incidents by adhering to national health and safety laws. Its robust policies, outlined in an employee handbook and communicated directly to staff, emphasise both physical and mental well-being. To prevent health and safety incidents, Modern Synthesis provides personal protective equipment, conducts structural and fire safety inspections, and ensures proper housekeeping. Employees receive training on workplace risks, the safe handling of materials, and anti-discrimination measures. Additionally, they benefit from health insurance, access to safe drinking water, sanitary facilities, and flexible working conditions. The company conducts safety inspections quarterly and ensures full compliance with local emergency regulations. Employee training sessions on health and safety are held biannually to reinforce best practices and workplace safety awareness.
Modern Synthesis has established a robust policy to promote the circular economy, integrating circular principles into its long-term business strategy. This approach includes short-term initiatives, feasibility pilots, and a commitment to an annual review to refine and expand circularity applications. A dedicated team is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy. The company considers circularity across multiple stages of its value chain, including circular inputs, circular design and production, and reverse logistics and recovery. Currently, 75–99% of the inputs used in its products are derived from renewable resources. Modern Synthesis is also engaged in a grant-funded research project with European partners to develop fully circular versions of its materials. The company’s technology is designed for integration with existing manufacturing infrastructure in fashion and other industries, supporting a transition away from high-emitting, fossil-fuel-derived and polluting material production. Through these efforts, Modern Synthesis contributes to the broader transformation of the fashion industry towards circularity.
A WORD FROM THE CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have” for brands; it’s an imperative for business survival. We believe that fashion, with its history of pioneering design and setting the cultural direction, must now lead the way in material change. At Modern Synthesis, we are bringing life to a new category of low-impact, high-quality materials that can empower fashion and the luxury industry to grow up from a harmful past and drive positive change – without compromising on the artistry and elegance that define it.
JEN KEANE
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
WHY POSITIVE LUXURY
We believe accountability should scale alongside innovation. Pursuing ESG+ certification is a defining step in our journey towards a materially better future. This rigorous evaluation not only validates our efforts so far, but also empowers us to establish trust and forge partnerships with like-minded brands dedicated to genuine, sustainable innovation. Just as our own technology evolves, we recognise that sustainability is an ongoing journey of refinement. The Butterfly Mark will serve as a constant reminder to ensure that our material solutions remain relevant in an ever-changing fashion landscape.
JEN KEANE
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
PATHWAY TO HIGHER STANDARDS
Modern Synthesis is actively working to increase accessibility to their responsible biomaterials to unleash positive impact at scale. They are defining near and long-term sustainability goals to further cement their commitment to ethical practices, and are also developing an impact reporting framework to transparently track and share the progress of their targets and commitments with stakeholders.