Materially Kiwi

Materially Kiwi is a New Zealand-based climate technology company that transforms rejected kiwifruit—by-products deemed unsuitable for export—into premium, plastic-free, plant-based bio-materials. Founded in 2021 by Shelley Houston and Chris Harper, the company processes these horticultural waste streams into durable, flexible materials suitable for applications in luxury fashion, automotive interiors, and other manufacturing sectors. By leveraging circular economy principles, the startup aims to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional leather and synthetic materials while reducing agricultural waste.

The company's work is significant for its potential to provide high-value, sustainable material solutions to a global market. Having evolved from an artisan project to a serious materials platform, Materially Kiwi has garnered interest from over 80 international brands, including major automotive manufacturers like BMW and Volkswagen, for applications such as vehicle interiors and luxury goods. The business is currently scaling its operations, with plans for a pilot factory in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region to support commercial production and further advance its bio-based material science.