PACT, a biomaterials firm situated in Cambridge, has recently gained significant attention after securing $20M in Series A funding. This investment highlights a growing focus on sustainable alternatives within various industries, including fashion and automotive. With new regulations pressuring industries to adopt sustainable practices, PACT’s developments are seen as timely solutions. Their approach aims to address both environmental concerns and commercial demands, leveraging innovative biomaterials as replacements for traditional plastics.
What Does the Funding Mean for Oval?
The secured Series A funds will primarily be used to enhance the production and commercial distribution of Oval, PACT’s key product. Oval, a collagen-based biomaterial, aims to fulfill the market’s creative and ecological needs while maintaining scalability through roll-to-roll manufacturing. The investment will support this rollout and expand production at their new pilot facility in Cambridge.
“Oval is engineered to meet the creative, commercial, and environmental demands of global brands,”
the company states, highlighting its application potential in various sectors.
How Does PACT’s Approach Stand Out?
Led by Dr. Yudí Ding, PACT’s focus on material design integrates naturally sourced collagen with herbal extracts and oils, creating a distinctive tactile experience. This approach provides an alternative to traditional, plastic-coated textiles. Dr. Ding’s commitment to sustainable material innovation seeks to transform these new materials from lab projects to commercially viable products through established supply chains.
“The real challenge lies in scaling them to meet the exacting standards of the textile industry,”
Dr. Ding comments on the scaling process.
Few years back, the focus on eco-friendly materials was considerably less pronounced, with traditional materials dominating the industry. The recent commitment of venture capitalists, like Forbion and HV Capital, exemplifies a shift towards sustainable practices, showcasing their confidence in PACT’s technological capabilities and market readiness. Forbion’s involvement also draws attention due to its extensive experience in investing within the biotech landscape, indicating a shared vision of sustainability in material science.
PACT’s 13,000-square-foot facility now serves as a critical site for their pilot production and laboratory operations. The drive towards market expansion is further emphasized by HV Capital, emphasizing PACT’s ability to integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing processes. Their substantial track record in supporting tech companies underscores their belief in PACT’s potential to scale beyond niche markets, encompassing high-volume products.
The pivot to sustainable manufacturing is underscored by new European legislation demanding stricter sustainability and transparency in supply chains. PACT’s innovative solutions thus align with these emerging market needs, providing a concrete opportunity for brands to meet regulatory requirements through sustainable sourcing strategies.
As PACT positions itself for expansion in diverse markets, its developments promise to offer valuable alternatives to traditional materials, potentially reshaping industry sourcing strategies. With ongoing support from significant venture partners, PACT aims to lead a shift from environmentally harmful materials to those offering better ecological impact and functionality.
