BioLeather
Is a vegan leather by Uncaged Innovations. The circular material is built on a formula of 8+ bio-based ingredients and uses biomimicry to mimic traditional leather along.
Production process
Unlike traditional leather, which takes years to make, Uncaged Innovations has made the process of BioLeather scalable and only takes hours.
The dyes and pigments are blended directly into the material during production, thus avoiding the tanning process.
The production can easily be integrated into existing supply chains by partnering directly with the brands’ current facilities.
Material properties
Depending on the formula, 8-10 ingredients are used to make the leather: grain by-products, natural rubber, latex, plant oils, zein, natural pigments, algae extract, rock minerals and bio-based polymer (10%). The leather has a plastic-free option, or a small amount of bio-based polymer can be applied for different functional needs.
This plant-based leather formula can be fine-tuned to meet different price and durability requirements, e.g. stiff or flexible, with or without a fabric backing, and apply both spray and transfer coating if needed. The material can be skived during leatherworking as well.
In its natural form, the material appears light beige or slightly translucent. BioLeather can be manufactured in any colour or pattern, from fine to heavy grain and exotics.
The standard thickness is 0.5mm to 2 mm.
The material networks mimic traditional leather in all its favoured properties like durability, flexibility, texture, strength, stretch, water resistance and fragrance.
The material finds applications in automobiles, fashion, interiors and home goods industries.
Availability
USA (material in development)
Circular features
As the need to raise livestock is eliminated in this type of leather, emissions are avoided while using fewer natural resources.
The production technology guarantees zero flaws, marks and unusable patches, thus minimizing waste.
As there is no tanning process, no toxic chemicals are used.
Raw Materials
Depending on the formula, 8-10 natural ingredients are used to make the leather, i.e. grain by-products, natural rubber, latex, plant oils, zein, natural pigments, algae extract and bio-based polymer (10%)
Afterlife Plan
- It can be recycled by Uncaged Innovations to make BioLeather again
- Testing shows that the leather is fully biodegradable in less than 4 months under any condition