Leather - Bio-based without animals

Most plant-based leather alternatives on the market still contain plastics that are neither recyclable nor compostable. In the ongoing work, which builds on BioInnovation's stage 1 project, biodegradable raw materials from Swedish side streams - such as bark and apple pomace - are used and green chemistry principles are applied to develop a fully biodegradable, non-animal leather-like material. Together with a broad industrial consortium, RISE is optimising formulations of raw materials and bio-based additives (including crosslinkers) to achieve the right material properties for the fashion industry.

The project focuses on simplifying the manufacturing process, conducting small-scale material trials with production partners and developing demonstrators together with fashion stakeholders. The consortium covers the entire value chain - from raw material to finished product.

Previous research:

The previous project showed that biomass from food and forestry by-products could be combined into a bio-based, leather-like material - a sustainable alternative to traditional leather. Tests with bark, apple pomace and green additives gave promising results. The aim was to develop a material for the fashion industry, among others.