22/09/2026
New world
Natalie Portman is supporting a new approach to animal-free leather through her involvement with UNCAGED Innovations, a New York startup developing **Elevate**, a material designed without animal hides or conventional petrochemical plastics. Made using ingredients such as grain by-products, natural rubber, plant oils, mineral pigments and flower extracts, Elevate uses the company’s BioFuze technology to recreate structural qualities associated with traditional leather.
Portman, who has followed a vegan lifestyle for many years, has spoken about the challenge of finding alternatives that avoid both animal products and plastic-based materials. The company says an independent life-cycle assessment found that Elevate can generate **95% fewer greenhouse-gas emissions, use 89% less water and require 71% less energy** than conventional animal leather, while being designed to biodegrade.
The material is also moving beyond the development stage, with applications involving automotive and footwear brands including Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover and Puma. Portman’s role as an investor and strategic partner is expected to help UNCAGED Innovations expand further into fashion, alongside a reported **$7.9 million funding round**.
The development reflects a wider effort to create materials that can provide the look and performance of leather while reducing reliance on animal hides and plastic-based substitutes.
**Shared for informational and educational purposes only.**
**Sources:** Vegan Food & Living, Green Queen, Species Unite
