The Netherlands – Designed by Royal College of Art student Yuhan Bai, the Soil Project clothing collection features naturally dyed vintage garments paired with a newly developed soil-based leather alternative.

Presented at Dutch Design Week 2022, the innovative textile mimics the look and feel of animal leather and is highly flexible like silicone. But it is manufactured using simple, cheap and natural ingredients only. Bai experimented with soil until she came up with a proprietary mix of soil, gelatin, agar, starch, glycerin, gluten and water, which is boiled and poured into a thin mould to achieve the sleek, leather-like finish of the material. ‘The method of making this kind of material is similar to cooking food; many of its formulas and composition are derived from food and the nature of the goods,’ says Bai about her process.

Consumers are increasingly scrutinising the plant-based leather alternatives that fashion brands are using, wary of PVC-based, fragile or costly options. As such, more designers are introducing lines using biomaterials like Bai’s soil leather, which stands out with its energy-efficient and natural transformation process.

UK – Advertising climate network Purpose Disruptors’ latest report, published in the backdrop of COP27, looks at how adverts are adding to Britons’ carbon footprint.

The Temperature Check 2022 reveals the heavy environmental cost incurred by the advertising industry. The study quantifies ‘advertised emissions’, defined as emissions resulting from the increase in sales generated by advertising, and noted an 11% increase between 2019 and 2022.

Purpose Disruptors hopes that the findings will act as an incentive for the industry to renew its commitment to sustainability goals, both on the production side and in terms of the content of ads – and calls on advertisers to encourage mindful consumption over blind consumerism.

‘This year’s report makes it all the more important for advertisers to sit up and take notice. It’s very much business as usual at the moment, and rather than being on track for the 50% reduction we need by 2030, advertised emissions are at record highs,’ says Dr Grace Kite, economist and founder of Magic Numbers.

Where governments are failing to enact change, industry insiders – like designers tackling the climate crisis – can take the lead and act as change-makers.

Join our Food & Drink Futures online event, where we’ll be exploring the ever-changing meaning of nourishment in turbulent times, and discover the cultural rituals, flavour profiles and bio-hacks that are set to propel the food and drink market in unexpected directions over the coming decade.

The desire to eat and drink is a constant human need in a world in which change is inevitable. But food and drink are being redefined by global citizens who are pushing for positive impact on people, planet and profit. In 2022, we’ll take a closer look at how future-fit food systems and new technologies will transform the sector. As consumers continue to re-align their social beliefs to fit their dietary requirements, brands will need to respond, refocusing on niche communities, ingredients and experiences. Join us to uncover the next frontier for food and drink. You can buy tickets for just £80, or join The Future Laboratory Community and get inside access to our full programme of online events in 2022.