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17-25 October 2026
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GOLD

100% collagen 0% plastic

Hosted by WINT Design Lab

This project is now archived and was part of DDW22

This project is part of
Rethinking Plastic
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GOLD textiles - 100% collagen 0% plastic
GOLD textiles - 100% collagen 0% plastic
Denny Sachtleben, WINT Design Lab
Can nature help us meet the growing demand for synthetic textiles and avoid the consumption of petrochemicals? From RNA sequencing to material archaeology, this design research project examines a specific cow gut tissue with the goal of creating sustainable but highly performant textiles.

RNA sequencing and biomanufacturing

GOLD is a design research project inspired by the properties of Goaldbeater skin, the outermost tissue layer of the cow gut. This extremely thin, elastic, tear-resistant membrane was historically used as a separating layer when beating leaf gold. We investigated its outstanding properties, determined the tissue structurally and biochemically, and sequenced its RNA. Our goal is to synthetically replicate its material properties to develop a biopolymer to produce high-performance textiles. The substrate is cultivated in bioreactors and is therefore 100% vegan and biodegradable.
GOLD running jacket
GOLD running jacket
Denny Sachtleben, WINT Design Lab
GOLD running jacket detail
GOLD running jacket detail
Denny Sachtleben, WINT Design Lab
Water-repellent and tear-resistant material
Water-repellent and tear-resistant material

About WINT Design Lab

Can nature help us meet the growing demand for synthetic textiles and avoid the consumption of petrochemicals? From RNA sequencing to material archaeology, this design research project examines a specific cow gut tissue with the goal of creating sustainable but highly performant textiles.
Polestar
MCI
Triodos
Dutch Design Foundation
Ministerie van OCW
Gemeente Eindhoven
Provincie Noord-Brabant
Brabant C
VPRO
Fonds 21
Stir