In science labs, research centers and design offices across the planet, the Material Revolution is gathering pace. Harnessing the potent potential of biology, a new generation of creators is replacing plastic and other harmful substances with materials grown from nature.

“Plastic is a design failure – we can’t keep it in a closed loop, we need to accelerate the Material Revolution,” says Parley founder Cyrill Gutsch. “We believe biofabrication has the potential to underpin an entirely new economy – one that functions in partnership with the planet’s natural systems. It’s one of the reasons our long-term collaboration with Biofabricate is so important. We need to encourage and scale innovation, and support the innovators. This is our window to reinvent and create the new. Our future depends on it.”

Working across fashion, furniture, packaging, consumer goods and more, companies in the Biofabricate network are developing products using biotechnology. From biodegradable threads stronger than steel to packaging that nourishes the soil instead of polluting the oceans – innovations are emerging into the real world and beginning to scale up.

To grow the movement, Parley has once again partnered with Biofabricate to convene a landmark summit, bringing together the world’s leading biofabricators to accelerate change. As Suzanne Lee explains, “Biofabricate is a truly unique meeting — a one-day event that brings together designers, scientists, startups, and brands to reimagine the future.”

Read our interviews with some of this year’s Biofabricate summit speakers