© 30bis Studio - E.Belondrade
Premium packaging supplier Gainerie 91 and Authentic Material, specialized in the creation of upcycled materials and sponsor of the 2020 Formes de Luxe Awards, have announced a partnership.
“This collaboration will allow Authentic Material to enter the packaging market and give our company recognition among luxury players. Gainerie 91’s notoriety in the segment of coffrets and merchandising displays in addition to its savoir faire makes it a partner of privilege,” explains Noémie Dumesnil, operations director at Authentic Material. The Toulouse-based company, founded in 2016, collects waste or scrap materials to transform them into high-quality materials using proprietary chemical technology. “To enter into the world of luxury packaging with a partner like Gainerie 91 is a big advantage for us,” adds Julien Castagnet, digital development director at Authentic Material.
For its part, Gainerie 91, specialized in premium coffrets and cases for the watchmaking, jewelry, spirits and beauty sectors, will have access to Authentic Material’s growing collection of materials that currently includes items such as upcycled shell, horn and leather.
“Integrating new areas of expertise into our innovation strategy is a way for us to accompany our clients in today’s (ecological) transition and this partnership is an opportunity for us to innovate using new materials for our major luxury clients,” notes Arnaud Haefelin, president of Gainerie 91.
Although no products are yet in the works, the two companies are currently exploring the feasibility of using certain materials on different packaging shapes.
In December 2019, Authentic Material raised €1.5m in funding from investors Bpifrance and Cuir Invest.
The 2020 edition of Gainerie 91’s annual design contest, meanwhile, will be on the theme of “sustainable luxury”. Students and designers have until April 30 to submit their concepts and the awards ceremony is scheduled for September 10.
