Activated Silk™ L1 Biofinishing System

Anya Hidmarch X Evolved By Nature  |  Return to Nature Collection

Jonathan Cohen X Evolved By Nature  |  Liquid Blooms Collection

A new beginning for leather finishing

  • Zero PFAS
  • Zero added Cross-linkers Required
  • Zero PU in the Top Coat
  • Reduced PU in the Base Coat
  • 75% Biobased after removal of solvents

Natural once more

Leather is a natural material. Naturally enduring, breathable and beautiful. At some point, companies decided to enhance those qualities. It was a good idea, but toxic forever chemicals were introduced in the process. Ever since, those fossil fuel derived petrochemicals have hurt the health of people and the planet that gave us leather in the first place. We’re on a mission to make leather natural once more.

We believe leather should be plastic free

Every piece of leather you’ve ever bought is basically a piece of plastic in disguise. And that’s a problem because over time that plastic breaks down and ends up in other places, like our oceans, foods and bodies. That’s why we’re developing a finishing system for the world’s first plastic-free leather. And Activated Silk™ L1 is a first step on that mission. It significantly reduces PU (plastic) and entirely removes PFAS and the need for additional cross-linkers. We’ve replaced them with naturally-derived ingredients, like our Activated Silk™ biotechnology, which both outgreens and outperforms those pieces of plastic some call leather.

A system & a service

Activated Silk™ L1 is more than just a product. It’s a seamless solution designed to completely replace your existing petrochemical leather finishing. It’s better for people, the planet and your business.

System

Top Coat

  • Zero PFAS
  • Zero Added Cross-linkers Required
  • 0 PU
  • Biodegradable (comprehensive testing underway)

Base Coat

  • Zero PFAS
  • Zero Added Cross-linkers Required
  • Reduced PU
  • Biodegradable (comprehensive testing underway)

Auxiliaries

To achieve desired look and feel for any type of leather

Service

  • We develop articles with you
  • We provide updated auxiliaries as system grows
  • We provide tech and marketing support as needed
  • We provide chemistry — tanneries don’t pay for supply or for standard waste
  • You only pay per square foot of finished leather

In service of the planet

  • Zero PFAS
  • Zero added Cross-linkers Required
  • Zero PU in the Top Coat
  • Reduced PU in the Base Coat
  • 75% Biobased after removal of solvents

Sustainability can be a lofty concept that is often hard to measure, which has left a lot of room for interpretation and shades of green. Our approach is to focus on the aspects that can do the most good for the planet right now and two generations from now. Like replacing harmful chemicals with renewably sourced ingredients that yield biodegradable end products that contribute to a circular economy. Employing humans in safe, equitable ways. All while trying to reduce the carbon footprint for not just ourselves, but for the entire industry. Sustainability is a big job, but Activated Silk™ L1 is a big step in the right direction.

Activated Silk™ L1 Qualified Claims

  • 75% Biobased* *after removal of solvents based on testing standards
    **basecoat is pending OK biobased certification at >75%
  • Zero PFAs Attestation provided
  • Biodegradable* Top Coat & Base Coat *comprehensive testing underway
  • ZDHC Level 1 Pending

Activated Silk™ Biotechnology Qualified Claims

  • Circular economy Activated Silk™ biotechnology contributes to a circular economy.
  • Cruelty Free Activated Silk™ biotechnology is cruelty free.
  • Sustainable* *Activated Silk™ biotechnology contributes to 8 of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Renewably sourced Activated Silk™ biotechnology is renewably sourced using renewable energy.

A force of nature

Activated Silk™ L1 outperforms your existing petrochemical finishing.

  • CFR Wet Veslic

  • Bally Flex Testing

  • Water Resistance

Stain Resistance

0 Days

  • Mustard
  • Water
  • Mud
  • Ketchup
  • Wine
  • French Dressing
  • Corn Oil
  • Coffee

10 Days

  • Mustard
  • Water
  • Mud
  • Ketchup
  • Wine
  • French Dressing
  • Corn Oil
  • Coffee

Note: Finished leather was tested using the AATCC 130 and ISO 14419-2010 test methods: AATCC 130: Soil Release Oily; ISO 14419-2010: Oil Resistance, Hydrocarbon Resistance Test.

Development Partners

Leather Working Group Activated Silk™ L1 is a flexible system that enables different ways of partnering with us. We’re working closely with members of the Leather Working Group and are already engaed with many of the luxury tanneries in the Santa Croce area as well as major fashion houses and brands around the globe.

It’s only the beginning

L1 shows us what is possible when we embrace naturally-derived ingredients. The next generation will unlock even more breakthroughs in sustainable leather finishing. One day we hope to bring you the world’s first fully sustainable, plastic free, carbon reductive leather finishing system. By adopting Activating Silk™ L1 today, you’re leading the industry towards a better tomorrow.

Contact & learn more

Download the L1 brochure

L1 Brand Guidelines
L1 Terms & Conditions
Marketing Support

L1