A story by: Manou Reintjens
WHAT IT IS?
A product that solves thetwo biggest world problems? Yea sure… Well, Mi Terro is a company that creates sustainable and durable fabric made from milk waste. The company works with farmers and food companies to upcycle their surplus and inedible spoiled milk. By making clothing from milk, the company ensures that a waste flow is optimized and also that fewer micro plastics disappear into the water that are normally released when washing clothes.
WHY IT´S COOL?
Mi Terro uses two methods to make the fibers. The first method involves the extraction of casein protein (which amounts to 80% of the proteins in cow’s milk) from the spoiled milk. Its process then uses a technique known as web-spinning to turn these proteins into fibers. The second method, which the company is currently developing, would create fibers from the milk while it’s still in a liquid state, thus bypassing the extraction phase. This way they create not only high-quality clothing, but also bed linen, medical appliances and food packaging.
But why milk?
- Odor proof, because it creates micro-pockets that trap odors.
- Anti-bacterial, because milk is antimicrobial, making it a great disinfectant.
- UV light blocker, because milk has UV-blocking properties, ensuring colors stay bright longer.
Whilst it starts with milk, in the future the technology can be applied to all protein-based waste. The process requires 60% less water than organic cotton and it is entirely non-toxic with no chemicals used during production.
WHY IT HAS FUTURE GROWTH POTENTIAL?
Mi Terro has already partnered with some of the world’s largest organizations to use the fiber and license the technology and it continues to welcome companies to join its movement — end food waste to protect the planet. People are getting smarter and see that there is a drastic need to take action in the field of sustainability and food waste. The demand for sustainable clothing is increasing and Mi Terro’s groundbreaking product is a great alternative to the current clothing market.
Sources:
L.F. (2019, 30 september). This LA startup turns milk waste into clothing. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/la-based-sustainable-fashion-start-up-turns-milk-into-clothes-2019-8?international=true&r=US&IR=T
Mi Terro. (z.d.). Replace Plastic With Biomaterials Made From Agricultural Waste. Mi Terro. Geraadpleegd op 7 september 2021, van https://www.miterro.com/