Sustainably Stylish: Malaysia’s 4tify Brings Lab-Grown Leather, Biomaterials to the World

Penang, September 23, 2025 -- The production of biomaterials – including bio-vegan textile auxiliaries and bioleather – by 4tify Sdn Bhd is projected to generate an annual turnover of USD20 million starting in 2026 through local and international distribution. The BioNexus Status company is scaling up its operations to tackle global textile and fashion waste while driving Malaysia’s bioeconomy forward with biodegradable and recyclable materials powered by biotechnology and bioprocess engineering.

This expansion supports sustainable and circular practices in Malaysia’s textile, leather, and industrial sectors by converting low-value agricultural residues into high-value sustainable biomaterials. In doing so, 4tify helps reduce waste and carbon emissions while creating a new industrial sub-sector for the nation. 4tify’s expansion is also expected to reduce imports and drive exports to markets including the European Union, Japan, and the United States.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, welcomed 4tify’s progress in developing and scaling bio-based auxiliaries and microbial bioleather. He noted that the company’s technologies could cut carbon emissions by up to 61,500 metric tonnes annually across textile finishing and the leather industry by 2027, while advancing the circular economy and reducing reliance on imported petrochemical-based chemicals.

He added that 4tify’s journey – from an early-stage startup under Bioeconomy Corporation’s Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) programme to a full-fledged BioNexus Status company – reflects the government’s mission to transform Malaysia into a high-technology and sustainable nation by 2030.

“4tify is a national showcase of Malaysia’s strength to advance from research and development to full-scale industrial bio-manufacturing. By producing cost-competitive, sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials, 4tify is positioning Malaysia at the forefront of global biomaterials innovation while creating new high-value skilled jobs such as bioprocess engineers, QC specialists, and production scientists. We are weaving sustainability not only in style, but also in the heart of our economy and the fabric of our society,” said Chang during his visit to 4tify’s facility in Penang. Also present were Bioeconomy Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Encik Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, and 4tify Chief Executive Officer, Stan Kam.

Mohd Khairul emphasised that Bioeconomy Corporation has been instrumental in nurturing 4tify’s growth as one of its investee companies, providing technical facilitation, market validation, and strategic support, which has enabled the company to innovate and expand its sustainable practices in the bioeconomy sector.

“With a target to reach 8 million kilograms of bio-based auxiliaries and 100,000 square feet of bioleather annually by 2027, 4tify is on track to become the leading global producer in its field. Bioeconomy Corporation will continue to support this ambition by facilitating access to investors, R&D institutes, and international markets, ensuring 4tify can scale production to meet rising export demand from global fashion and textile brands. We are excited to be part of 4tify’s journey to redefine sustainable fashion and textiles, while elevating Malaysia’s profile as a global hub for biomaterials innovation,” he said.

4tify has earned international recognition as one of the Top 5 plant-based startups, with accolades from StartUs USA and selection into the Y Combinator Startup School 2017/2018 batch. The company’s innovations are also featured in the Plug & Play USA Sustainable Fashion Playbook, underscoring its leadership in advancing sustainable fashion solutions.

4tify’s initiatives are closely aligned with the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0, particularly the thrust on Industrial Biotechnology and Circular Economy. This initiative also supports MOSTI’s National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021–2030, which prioritises future-focused, sustainable industries.

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