Melbourne-based Alt. Leather has created a revolutionary plant-based leather alternative that mimics the look and feel of traditional leather without relying on animal products or synthetics. Made from natural fibers and agricultural waste, this material aims to replace conventional leather in various industries while minimizing environmental impact. The innovative product meets international performance standards and utilizes upcycled materials that would otherwise be discarded. Alt. Leather’s focus on sustainability addresses the ethical and ecological concerns associated with traditional leather production, offering a viable solution as consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives grows.
Alt. Leather’s innovative plant-based leather alternative is crafted entirely from natural fibers and agricultural waste, aiming to provide a sustainable substitute for conventional leather used in footwear, fashion, upholstery, and automotive sectors. This eco-friendly material stands out in the expanding market of leather alternatives, as it does not include synthetic plastics, which are prevalent in many existing products. Al. Leather’s unique formulation adheres to global ISO standards for essential factors like strength, wear resistance, flexibility, and color retention, ensuring its viability in diverse applications.
The company prides itself on upcycling resources that would otherwise contribute to waste. Approximately 10% of their ingredients comprise textiles and cellulose that typically end up in landfills or are incinerated. Each component is derived from sustainably grown plants, and the company is mindful of the disposal process of its product, currently assessing its biodegradability and potential for recycling.
Founded by Tina Funder after recognizing a significant gap in the market for truly sustainable leather alternatives, Alt. Leather faced initial production challenges due to the lack of specialized equipment for their innovative material. To overcome this, the startup collaborated with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), gaining access to advanced testing facilities critical for refining their production process. They began with small-scale testing, using extruding machines to shape their material before scaling up to larger production equipment, which allowed them to confirm the commercial feasibility of their plant-based leather alternative.
Creating this alternative required extensive research and testing, with the development team exploring thousands of plant-based ingredient combinations. They concentrated on polysaccharides such as cellulose and starches, which provide necessary structure, while natural and recycled fibers add strength and texture. Carefully selected plant-derived resins enable the binding of components, ensuring that the final product performs well environmentally as well as functionally. Their ultimate goal is to foster a circular economy that minimizes waste throughout the lifecycle of their plant-based leather alternative.
Alt. Leather has also benefited from connections made during CSIRO’s India Australia RISE Accelerator program, which facilitated enrollment in a Circular Economy group aimed at sustainable manufacturing practices. This partnership opened direct avenues to manufacturers in Chennai and Noida, India, where sample footwear and bags made from the plant-based leather have been produced. With expert support from both Indian and Australian industry professionals, Alt. Leather has navigated international manufacturing complexities, crucial for moving closer to commercial readiness.
This timing is crucial, as there is growing pressure on businesses to minimize their environmental impact by adopting sustainable materials like plant-based leather alternatives. Alt. Leather is committed to refining its product, continually testing formulations to enhance performance and composition. The company actively seeks partnerships with brands in Australia and globally to integrate their alternative into product lines. The experiences gained through international collaboration have positioned Alt. Leather for expansion into global supply chains and manufacturing frameworks.
The traditional leather industry’s environmental toll is significant, with livestock farming contributing notably to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and excessive water use. Plant-based leather alternatives can help mitigate these issues. Furthermore, detrimental chemical processes inherent in conventional leather tanning often pollute local water sources, posing risks to wildlife and surrounding communities. Many current vegan leather options incorporate petroleum-derived plastics, which shed microplastics during use and do not decompose naturally.
In contrast, Alt. Leather exclusively utilizes plant-based materials that can be sustainably cultivated, addressing both ethical and environmental concerns. Their approach effectively reduces waste in agricultural sectors while appealing to consumers conscious of animal welfare and ecological footprints. As the fashion industry