Yugen is a biomaterial startup dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable future through innovative solutions by harnessing the power of nature. Our first product, Pomeco, specializes in bio-based leather, transforming pomegranate peel waste into high-quality, eco-friendly and vegan materials suitable for various applications including fashion, automotive, and furnishings. By focusing on circularity, we ensure that our biomaterials support a closed-loop system, reducing reliance on finite resources and minimizing waste. Our approach integrates cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for the environment, ensuring that every product we create contributes to a more sustainable future. We value strong collaborations with brands and businesses that share our commitment to sustainability.
Sevgi Karkın is a Germany based textile researcher, product manager, and sustainability specialist with a strong focus on circular design and biomaterials. With a background in Chemistry and Technical Textiles, she is currently pursuing her second master’s in Sustainable Textiles at Hof University.
She works as a Product Manager at Yugen Company, a biomaterial startup developing Pomeco, an innovative bio-based leather alternative made from upcycled pomegranate peel waste. Yugen focuses on sustainability, circular economy principles, and high-performance material solutions for fashion, automotive, and furnishings applications.
Sevgi’s interdisciplinary expertise spans sustainable entrepreneurship, life cycle assessment (LCA), ESG strategy, and impact research. She has contributed to innovation-driven projects, including developing circular business models for biomaterials and designing bio-based polyurethane foams. Her work is deeply rooted in environmental sustainability and regenerative solutions for the textile and fashion industries.
She is dedicated to advancing material innovation and responsible production, aiming to contribute to more sustainable and equitable industries.