Tory Burch debuts its first plant-based leather alternative tote

Modern Meadow, a purpose-driven biotechnology company revolutionizing consumer goods, announced that  its Bio-AlloyTM proprietary protein-based technology is coming to the Tory Burch runway as the American fashion brand debuts its first-ever plant-based leather alternative tote, the Ella Bio, an evolution of the iconic Ella tote.

The latest relationship for Modern Meadow, which is trying to increase the accessibility of plant-based textiles for the fashion industry through collaborations with prestigious manufacturers and high-end retailers, is with Tory Burch.

Catherine Roggero-Lovisi, CEO of Modern Meadow, said that the demand from consumers for environmentally friendly products is increasing. The Ella tote has been one of Tory Burch’s most recognizable and popular handbag designs since 2008. In order to provide consumers with a high-performing and bio-based tote they can trust, Modern Meadow is honored to participate in its next iteration.

The Ella Bio has an exterior made of BioFabbrica Bio-Tex™, a USDA-certified bio-based fabric fueled by Modern Meadow’s exclusive Bio Alloy plant protein. This protein is derived from non-GMO soy grown in North America and was created specifically for Tory Burch to provide a material that is lightweight, strong, and composed largely of renewable resources.

Jennifer Gootman, global head of sustainability & ESG strategy at Tory Burch, said that the Ella Bio meets their design, quality, and durability expectations and is made with an innovative new material, BioFabbrica Bio-Tex, which feels and looks like leather but is made from 64% USDA-certified bio-based content. It is a fantastic illustration of the growing trend toward “next-gen” materials that get their inspiration from nature but are created to have less of an impact on the environment.

Modern Meadow’s Bio-Alloy is a proprietary technology application platform that gives materials for various purposes a unique set of mechanical and thermal capabilities. A rarity in the biotechnology industry, Modern Meadow’s solutions integrate seamlessly into current infrastructures enabling rapid, wide-scale adoption in the textile, cosmetics, and other industries.