Material science company Pangaia developed a vegan and plastic free down alternative made of wildflowers and a biopolymer, called FLWRDWN.

To keep warm, duck or goose down is a popular material to stay warm, whether it is stuffing for your puffer jacket or a sleeping bag. However, down is often produced under cruel circumstances. Additionally, it is flammable and not very hygienic. Of course, there are alternatives to down, but these are often synthetic and made of polyester fibres.

After 10 years of development, Pangaia developed vegan technology that can turn wildflowers in a down alternative. The flowers are mixed with a biopolymer and infused with aerogel for performance and durability.

The wildflowers are sourced from areas that contribute to habitat restoration, while helping to conserve a species of local butterflies. This kind of regenerative agriculture results in a reduction of greenhouse gas production (12 tons of CO2 per hectare of plant material). The method also helps to preserve groundwater, as it doesn’t require irrigation.

The resulting material is warm, breathable and hypoallergenic, while offering a cruelty free alternative to goose and duck down. At end of life, FLWRDWN is fully biodegradable.

Photos: Marili Andre / Pangaia