Bacterial Cellulose Handbags

The challenge is enormous

At the London Design Festival, London-based biotechnology company Modern Synthesis unveiled a reimagined design of GANNI's Bou handbag made with bacterial nanocellulose. While the original Bou bag was made from recycled animal leather, the newly unveiled design is a feat of not only material innovation but also a representation of the Danish fashion brand's commitment to eliminating virgin leather from its products by 2030.

Using a proprietary biotechnology process, Modern Synthesis transforms sugar derived from agricultural waste into nanocellulose fibers and according to the company, the resulting material is eight times stronger than steel. “Collaborating with GANNI on the Bou Bag has allowed us to showcase the viability of bacterial cellulose-based materials in real-world applications," said Jen Keane, CEO of Modern Synthesis.

Commercially, the Bou handbag is set to be launched in early 2025.