Rethink, redesign, revolutionize: Gozen’s mission to transform materials.

The fashion industry is responsible for an estimated 8-10% of carbon emissions globally. A reliance on animal and fossil-fuel derived materials remains a key culprit. For too long, these materials have been the default choice for products such as footwear, handbags and jackets, despite their harmful impact on the planet. In addition to contributing to the emissions burden, both animal leather and synthetic leather are processed with toxic chemicals that can leach into waterways and harm ecosystems.

The real challenge lies in rethinking how we use materials in fashion. We must shift from today’s harmful materials to a new generation that prioritizes the welfare of our planet, and all its inhabitants. Gozen is leading this shift with LUNAFORM™, a bio-based, plastic-free material sparking a new era of conscious design, in fashion and beyond.

Redefining raw materials

LUNAFORM™ is created through a unique process that harnesses state-of-the art biotechnology and the age-old practice of fermentation. Under controlled conditions at their facility, microorganisms produce a large sheet of flexible material called nanocellulose. From this remarkable foundation, Gozen’s technology enables the development of an advanced biomaterial. LUNAFORM™ matches the durability and versatility of fine animal leather while retaining a natural drape and soft touch, unlike synthetic leather alternatives. The production of LUNAFORM™ takes just seven days and is conducted entirely on site, utilizing fewer resources and generating no harmful byproducts.  

Challenging the status quo

Happiness Capital has provided the philosophical and practical tools to help Gozen’s team push boundaries in material science and challenge the status quo in fashion. Taking a long-term view of the company’s growth prospects, Happiness Capital has empowered Gozen to stay true to its mission: transforming not just materials but how brands approach design. Happiness Capital’s network has also helped Gozen to explore new markets, such as Japan, where sustainable luxury is gaining traction. 

Growth beyond fashion

Since its founding, Gozen has made incredible progress, including the successful launch of LUNAFORM™ and a high-profile collaboration with Balenciaga that launched at Paris Fashion Week. The company has secured $3.3 million in seed funding, paving the way for the construction of its first commercial-scale production facility in Turkey. This facility will produce over one million square feet of LUNAFORM™ annually, bringing sustainable material production to scale.

Looking ahead, Gozen aims to expand beyond fashion, offering its advanced biomaterials to other industries in urgent need of sustainable material solutions. From automotive to aerospace, Gozen is positioning itself as a leader in material and design innovation, proving that by rethinking materials, we can unlock new possibilities and transform the world around us.