BMW i Ventures has announced an investment in U.S.A-based Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW), a leading creator of all-natural, plastic-free alternatives to materials such as leathers, foams, and textiles. The financing round will enable the company to scale from the batch processing of materials to commercial roll-to-roll production.

NFW has developed novel technologies to replace incumbent petrochemical-based materials (such as synthetic leathers) and enable natural inputs to be shaped and molded into a durable, all-natural and fully recyclable leather alternative called Mirum.

NFW is pioneering how all-natural materials can be commercially viable alternatives for animal or petrochemical-based products. NFW will use the funds from this investment scale its production to full commercial capacity and capitalise on its existing momentum to bring its alternative material to the market.