It’s all about balance. And at the moment, we (the human race) are out of balance with nature and the planet. We take too much, we destroy too much, and we don’t give enough back. Overall, we’re tipping the scales in a negative direction.

PANGAIA, the materials science company, is on a mission to tip the scales back the other way, taking things in a much more positive trajectory. Its goal is “to establish a way of life on our planet in balance with nature for all future generations.” Nothing too ambitious then.

So, how’s it doing?

Well, according to PANGAIA’s latest impact report, 2022 was a big year for the company. Despite the challenges of the global economic climate, PANGAIA’s year boasts innovative bio-based products, big-name collaborations, and, for the Earth-positive cherry on top, a B Corp certification. Which is all good news for that other climate (you know, the one that’s going through a bit of a crisis right now.)

Of course, all this comes as no surprise to you, our avid and dedicated readers. We’ve reported on the latest news from PANGAIA most months here at FUTUREVVORLD. And we’re always eager to hear the latest developments to come out of the innovation lab. One thing to note is that PANAGAIA is always in R&D, and always bringing out something new. In 2022 alone, it released nine new materials and three finishes. This, it says, is because this year, teams have been integrated better, with a workstream that simplifies (and speeds up) the idea-to-commercialization process.

The new materials developed include Infinited Fiber, made with 100 percent post-consumer cotton-rich textile waste, recycled with a responsible chemistry, and Spiber, which replaces animal protein fibers, such as wool or silk, with bio alternatives.

2022 also saw the development and expansion of PANGAIA’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) program. This is basically a tool used to measure the company’s material impact, and includes data from across the supply chain; from raw materials to transportation. PANGAIA can keep a track on how each product and material is impacting the planet, and know where new opportunities might lie.

PANGAIA’s positive impact goes beyond the materials it produces. It’s also planted, protected and restored over one million trees since launching the Tomorrow Tree Fund in 2020, powered by Milkywire. It’s also been offsetting its pop-up retail spaces with verified carbon credits (although those aren’t always to be trusted), and has committed to tackling microfiber pollution from its clothing through something called multiplexed laser surface enhancement which modifies surface fibers to prevent shedding.

No company trying to make a positive impact on the planet can ignore its people. In 2022, PANGAIA established new ethical policies to ensure the partners along its supply chains are treating employees properly. Its factories continued to monitor working conditions, and had them third-party audited. And it aimed to positively impact people’s lives through fair wages, diversity and inclusion, and promoting wellbeing.

To broaden the reach of PANGAIA’s positive impact, the company has been working on numerous partnerships. 25, in fact. Working with a “web” of partners, PANGAIA says it can “build and strengthen the foundation of a more responsible industry.” No one company can act alone. These collaborations have led to 2,200 meters of fabric and 40,000 garments being sold.

So, 2022 was a good year for PANGAIA. But how can 2023 be even better? It starts with more innovative materials and technologies. To make them, PANGAIA is developing more circular models and continuing to adapt its R&D methods. And on top of that, it also has its own climate goals such as transitioning to renewable energy and promoting biodiversity.

The work of Earth-positive brands is never done. It’s a battle for progress rather than perfection. But little by little, the scales will tip and balance may be restored. PANGAIA certainly seems to be going in the right direction.

Read the impact report in full on PANGAIA’s website. And for more impactful reports, check out why sneaker brands keep adding leather to plant-based shoes.