When it comes to innovation in textiles, biodegradability is a balancing act. No one wants a material that disintegrates with a few months’ use, but equally, we don’t want that pair of boots to hang around for the next 1,000 years. Degradability is a spectrum, but breaking down under the right conditions in a suitable time frame is not the only objective here. The other question is: what is it degrading into? Many materials marketed as sustainable may break down into microplastics or residues that linger in soil and water systems. Alt. Leather’s 100% bio-based material degrades within six months into pure compost that has no adverse effects on soil life.

Through independent testing by the University of Newcastle in Australia, our material has been shown to fully break down into compost within six months under industrial composting conditions. Zero petroleum-derived plastics, toxins or leachates were detected after our material degraded (and to be clear, being a 100% bio-based solution means that we leave out petrochemicals from the start). Once the six months are up, the compost is mixed into soil and rigorous ecotoxicity testing is carried out using worms and seedling germination. 

Worms are critical little creatures that enable the health of soil by eating and recycling nutrients, improving soil structure with their burrowing and by spreading around the micro-organisms that process pollutants. If worms aren’t present, our soil suffers, so we are thrilled that Alt. Leather’s compost showed no negative effects on the health and reproductive systems of worms. Seedlings also thrived in the Alt. Leather mixture, showing equally strong germination results in our and the control sample (see image below).

How does Alt. Leather’s compostability compare with other leathers? For animal leather, it’s not a straightforward answer since there are varying methods of tanning and finishing which affect the way they break down. However, most animal leather has been found to degrade in 10 to 12 months. Many animal leathers today are chromium tanned (up to 90%) and coated in petroleum-derived plastic like polyurethane (PU), which means they may contaminate soil with these harmful chemicals upon degradation.

PU and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) leather, being made purely from petroleum (fossil) plastics, can take more than 400 years to degrade, not to mention the toxins they release into the environment. Partially bio-based leather alternatives that incorporate petroleum plastics also have to contend with this issue. At Alt. Leather, we’ve been committed to avoiding petroleum products since day one, and we’re proud to be one of the few 100% bio-based leather alternatives around today.

Industrial composting is a carefully managed biological process that creates the right conditions for microbes to break down materials efficiently. Facilities maintain high temperatures (50–70 °C) to accelerate decomposition and kill pathogens, while ensuring plenty of oxygen through aeration or pile turning to prevent methane-producing anaerobic conditions. Moisture is balanced at about 40–60%, much like a wrung-out sponge, so microbes stay active. Feedstocks (that would include our leather alternative!) are shredded and blended to achieve the right carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and over a period of about 2–6 months, followed by a resting stage that allows the compost to fully mature, the material transforms into stable compost.

While industrial composting infrastructure is still growing globally, the momentum is clear. Many cities and countries already run industrial composting programs, especially in Europe, parts of North America, Australia/New Zealand, and affluent urban areas in Asia. For instance, in the U.S., the number of households with municipal food-waste collection climbed from ~10 million in 2021 to 14.9 million in 2023. 

Textile regulations around the world are increasingly focused on sustainability and circularity. While acceptance of materials beyond food and garden waste (i.e textiles, and therefore leather alternatives) is not yet a reality, we expect the current trend to lead there. When these systems are in place at scale, Alt. Leather will be ready to fit in.

For brands, using industrially compostable materials positions products at the forefront of this shift. As industrial composting infrastructure grows, compostable textiles offer a future-ready route for end-of-life disposal, while also building trust (if you’re transparent about how the material should be disposed of) with consumers.

Looking forward, we are working with brands to understand other end-of-life pathways that will work for their consumers, such as recycling. We are currently testing upcycling with a local Australian company that recycles textiles into other products like acoustic wall panelling and insulation.

Alt. Leather has been awarded a grant through the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program to support the commercialisation of our material technology.

This funding recognises the need for better alternatives to both animal leather and plastic-based synthetics, and supports our next steps toward scaled production of a 100 per cent bio-based leather alternative.

The grant will allow us to deepen our research and development, expand our team and progress to pilot production. These are critical stages in bringing our material to market at the quality, consistency and scale required by global brands.

Alt. Leather’s technology uses only natural inputs, transforming agricultural byproducts and other bio-based materials into a durable, flexible alternative to leather. Our process avoids both petroleum-derived plastic and the emissions impact of animal hides.

Alt. Leather is one of very few companies globally developing leather alternatives that are both 100% bio-based and designed for high performance. Our materials are engineered to meet the technical and aesthetic needs of fashion, interiors and automotive industries.

We are currently collaborating with a leading Australian luxury brand on a pilot project, with more to be shared in the coming months.

This latest milestone builds on earlier support from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, through both the Kick-Start and RISE Accelerator programmes. Alt. Leather was also recently named a finalist in the Best Newcomer category at the Governor of Victoria’s Startup Awards.

We’re grateful for the backing of the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program and look forward to sharing more as we continue to grow.

This project is supported by the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program.

These awards celebrate the people and companies shaping the future of Victoria’s innovation ecosystem. We’re honoured to be recognised alongside so many impressive ventures doing important work across climate tech, AI, health, agtech and more.

As a materials science company creating high-performance leather alternatives from plants, without petrochemical plastics, we’re excited to be part of this future-focused community.

A big thanks go to our early supporters, collaborators and fellow founders for being part of the ride so far.

See the full list of finalists and more about the awards on the LaunchVic website.

The materials we use matter, not just in how they perform, but also in where they come from. Alt. Leather is made from 100% bio-based materials, carefully selected from agricultural byproducts and regenerative plant-based ingredients. This means to create our leather, we’re not extracting virgin resources or tapping into supply chains that are already under strain. 

And yes, when we say 100% bio-based, that means no petrochemical plastics whatsoever, see #2. 

By repurposing what would otherwise be waste or overlooked byproducts, we’re able to reduce the overall environmental footprint of our material. It’s a circular approach: we’re avoiding unnecessary extraction while closing the loop by giving new life to existing, renewable inputs.

One of the problems with conventional and even many partially bio-based leathers is their dependence on petroleum-based plastics. Contrary to common sense, the majority of animal leathers even contain petroleum-plastics for durability. These plastics contribute to the exhaustion of finite, non-renewable fossil fuels, a process known as abiotic depletion. Whether it’s PU (polyurethane), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or other synthetic components, most kinds of leather likely contain it.

Alt. Leather is different. We use zero petroleum plastics. Even our topcoat resin is bio-based. By eliminating fossil fuels from our process, we drastically cut our carbon emissions and don’t support an industry that’s central to climate change. Since day one, our commitment to being fossil-free has not wavered, and now we’re one of only a handful of innovators that have achieved this feat.

Leather represents a small but significant part of the animal agriculture profit margin. And whether we like it or not, animal agriculture is now one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution and ecosystem degradation. Furthermore, the industry’s global emissions are set to increase by 50% by 2030.  Recent investigations also bring into question the ethical and social integrity of leather production.

Alt. Leather’s materials contain zero animal products. By bypassing animal agriculture altogether, we avoid a host of complicated issues. Our bio-based material is cruelty-free, offering a premium leather alternative that aligns with both environmental and ethical values.

Designing a sustainable material isn’t just about what goes into it, it’s also about what’s left behind. Every year, 1.92 million tonnes of textile waste are produced. From sourcing to production to cutting room floors, Alt. Leather is being engineered to reduce waste at every stage. In the future, our material will come in rolls, rather than sheets or animal-shaped hides. This alone makes a big difference by maximising available pattern-cutting space.

We’ve carefully evaluated our processes to minimise emissions, water use and material offcuts. The result is our highly considered, low-impact leather alternative that avoids compromising on quality or aesthetics.

Sustainability includes people, too. That’s why Alt. Leather is ethically made in Melbourne, where we can ensure the highest standards of workplace safety, fair wages and responsible manufacturing practices. Our production process uses only safe, bio-derived ingredients, keeping both our team and the planet healthy.

Unlike many materials that are outsourced or produced in opaque supply chains, we take pride in knowing who makes our material and how it’s made. Health risks like cancer, respiratory disease and perpetration-induced traumatic stress (PITS) are common among leather workers, and PVC has been officially labelled a carcinogen. We’re building a transparent and traceable system from the ground up to ensure accountability to our partners and end consumers.

Scaling the production of biomaterials is a complex yet rewarding endeavour. Moving from the lab to the pilot stage involves addressing multiple interconnected challenges:

• Raw Material Requirements: Sourcing inputs that meet scalability needs while maintaining quality and sustainability.
• Operational Complexities: Managing utilities, logistics, and other operational factors on a larger scale.
• Process Refinement: Small formulation issues in the lab can become magnified at scale, requiring careful optimisation.

These challenges underscore the importance of collaboration and support from industry and investors. With the right resources and partnerships, the transition from lab to market can unlock enormous positive potential for biomaterials.

The journey from lab to market is a critical phase for biomaterials, requiring coordinated efforts to refine processes, demonstrate performance and build reliable supply chains. While this stage demands investment and dedication, it also offers immense opportunities for growth and innovation.

Key areas of focus include:

• Scaling Production: Ensuring consistent quality and scalability while optimising costs.
• Proof of Performance: Demonstrating the material’s capabilities to meet industry standards.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with brands and supply chain partners to accelerate market readiness.

These steps are essential for biomaterials to become commercially viable and achieve widespread adoption.

Investing in biomaterials, like our 100% bio-based leather alternative, is a forward-thinking opportunity that aligns with emerging market trends and regulations. While scaling requires initial commitment, the long-term rewards are significant.

Patient capital—investment that prioritises long-term impact over immediate returns—is especially valuable for supporting biomaterials through the critical scaling phase. By backing innovators early, investors can:

• Unlock significant financial returns from groundbreaking technologies.
• Contribute to solutions addressing environmental and ethical challenges.

Additionally, new regulations like the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the New York Fashion Act are driving brands to reduce their environmental impact. Switching to bio-based materials is one of the most effective ways to meet these requirements, as raw materials and their processing can account for up to 65% of a product’s environmental footprint, according to The State of Fashion 2023, a report by Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company.

Industry-leading brands have a unique opportunity to shape the future of biomaterials. By moving beyond isolated capsule collections, brands can drive meaningful change by committing to sustained adoption and support.

Key actions include:

• Long-Term Partnerships: Supporting R&D, manufacturing and supply chain development over multiple years.
• Pilot Programs: Funding and participating in programs to test and refine biomaterials at scale.
• Collaborative Ecosystems: Working closely with innovators to co-develop solutions and share insights.

By embracing these strategies, brands can gain access to exclusive materials, enhance product customisation and strengthen their sustainability credentials—all while aligning with consumer demand for ethical and eco-friendly products.

Scaling biomaterials is not just a commercial opportunity; it’s an urgent necessity for the planet. Materials like 100% bio-based leather offer tangible solutions to the environmental crisis by:

• Reducing reliance on resource-intensive industries like animal agriculture.
• Lowering carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.

With sustained support, biomaterials like ours at Alt. Leather can transform industries such as fashion, automotive and furniture. This transformation is vital for the health of our planet, workers, consumers and animals.

Scaling biomaterials requires a collaborative, long-term approach. Here’s how brands and investors can help:

• Investors: Provide patient capital to support the transition from lab to market, recognising the long-term benefits of biomaterials.
• Brands: Commit to multi-year adoption strategies, fund pilot programs and invest in shared infrastructure. Collaborate with innovators to build resilient ecosystems for biomaterial development.

If you’ve been in this space for a while, you might have heard the term “LCA”. But what is one, and why does it matter?

A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a detailed way to measure the environmental impact of a material from start to finish. It looks at the whole process, taking into account everything from raw materials and their supply chains, to production methods, product usage and ultimately, its end-of-life. This paints a clear picture of things like carbon emissions, water usage and waste. The resulting data helps us make comparisons to see if and how biomaterials excel beyond traditional options. This is critical for things such as ESG reporting and gaining certifications.

It’s important to note that this is an early LCA conducted to help us identify areas for improvement and that it is still to be peer reviewed. Our results are extremely positive when taking into account the impact of our material compared to animal and PU/PVC leathers. 

Our LCA results show that Alt. Leather is:

• Better than both animal and synthetic leathers across almost every impact category.
• Highly climate-efficient, especially when powered by renewables.

The LCA looks at many points of impact. Here are some key indicators that highlight the benefits of Alt. Leather.

Alt. Leather shows:

• About 3× lower emissions than animal leather, and about 35–45% lower than synthetics (PU/PVC).
• About 55–65% less energy usage than PU/PVC leather, and about 60–70% less than animal leather.
• About 50-55% lower water impact than animal leather.
• 5× lower nutrient pollution (eutrophication) than animal leather.
• Concerning particulate matter, a lower human health impact across all categories.

Here’s where it gets interesting:

• Although our land use is comparable to that of animal leather, this is simply because we are using plant-based ingredients, we are still avoiding the intensive methane and water footprint of animal agriculture.
• On the other hand, synthetic leathers (PU/PVC) use less land but rely heavily on fossil fuels and pose greater toxicity risks than our 100% petroleum-plastic free option.

In conclusion, Alt. Leather has a dramatically lower impact than conventional leather options. We are an overall cleaner and safer choice since we avoid toxic tanning processes (like chromium) and create far less waterborne pollution than animal leather and create less particulate matter across all types of leather.

The hard work doesn’t stop there. Each day at Alt. we’re improving and refining our material.

Whether you’re an impact investor or a brand that cares about people, planet or animals, now is the perfect time to join us to create real positive impact for the world. Our LCA data is unmistakably sound, but we haven’t reached our goal yet, and we need you to take it from lab to life.

Despite their benefits, animal and petroleum-based synthetic leathers come with serious environmental, social, and ethical challenges. Animal leather contributes to deforestation, water pollution and significant methane emissions, while tanning processes contribute to ecosystem damage and expose workers to toxic chemicals. Synthetic alternatives, though animal-free, rely on fossil fuels and generate petroleum-based microplastic pollution.

Bio-based leather offers a smarter solution—dramatically reducing environmental impact, eliminating animal products and petroleum plastics (as in the case of Alt. Leather’s 100% bio-based material), and enabling safer, more equitable manufacturing conditions.

The wholesale leather market is estimated at USD 70 billion. Bio-based leather currently represents a small share of the market but has big potential and is an emerging high-growth sector. Early investors in other high-growth material innovations, such as bioplastics, have seen strong returns. Bio-based leather presents a similar opportunity, with a projected CAGR of 7.9% from 2020 to 2030 for the synthetic leather industry (including bio-based options). IDtechEx, an emerging technologies research firm, puts the alternative leather industry’s expansion rate at 37% over the coming decade. It also notes that USD 1 billion has been invested so far. 

Furthermore, according to the 2025 ‘State of Fashion, Luxury’ report by Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Co., luxury leather goods are on the rise, and are “poised for the fastest growth at 4–6% per year between 2025 and 2027”.

Brands today must navigate increasing regulations (particularly in the EU), ambitious sustainability targets, and growing consumer demand for eco and ethical materials—without greenwashing.

And while it’s clear major brands are responding, first movers in bio-based leather still have a competitive edge. Take Nike, which has set a goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 63% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. “Innovating and scaling low carbon materials” is one of their sub-aims, in which they are already exploring bio-based foam options. 

The importance of raw material choice for lowering environmental impact cannot be overstated. A hefty two-thirds of a brand’s climate impact stems from its choice in raw materials, according to Boston Consulting Group. This matters because, compared to animal and synthetic leather, bio-based leather alternatives have significantly lower emissions. Our early stage lifecycle assessment data shows that Alt. Leather is 68.5% less carbon intensive to produce than animal leather, and 35% less impactful than synthetic leather. (Data not yet peer reviewed.)

Research by North Mountain consulting group for Material Innovation Initiative shows 92% of U.S. and 99% of Chinese consumers surveyed are open to purchasing next-gen materials, which includes bio-based leather alternatives. The U.S. consumer report also put next-gen leather’s potential market share at 57%, compared with other leather types.

Luxury brands have been exploring next-gen leather options since 2014, setting a precedent for mass adoption just as sustainable fabrics like Tencel have transitioned from high fashion to mainstream retail.

The innovation-driven nature of bio-based leather alternatives opens up new creative possibilities. With investment to support continued research and development, bio-based materials may be able to offer benefits that are difficult or impossible to achieve with animal or synthetic leather, such as improved durability, custom surface patterning and lighter weights. This means bio-based leather can become not just a cost-effective alternative, but a premium material with unique advantages.

Bio-based leather presents a high-value investment opportunity due to significant barriers to entry that limit competition and protect market leaders. Unlike traditional materials, bio-based leather requires proprietary technology, specialised production infrastructure and regulatory approvals—creating a strong moat around established players.

Alt. Leather is well-positioned to lead this industry shift.

• Our 100% bio-based leather alternative aims to match the quality and durability of premium animal leather—without petroleum-based plastics. Most animal leathers and bio-based leathers still rely on PU or PVC to bind or coat their bio-base.
• Our 100% bio-based resin has a pending patent.
• As mentioned above, our recent material’s life cycle assessment results are very positive, and we are attaining third-party verification.
• Leading fashion and automotive brands have expressed strong interest in our material with partnership negotiations underway.

With a scalable manufacturing process, growing brand interest and a clear path to price parity, Alt. Leather is ready to capture market share in a rapidly expanding industry. Investors who join us now will do so at a timely moment—just as sustainability regulations and consumer demand drive the market toward bio-based solutions. We’re also the only next-gen leather innovator in Oceania, providing a unique regional advantage with access to the world’s largest APAC manufacturing locations and Australasian trade agreements.

For bio-based leather to reach mass adoption, funding is needed to scale production rapidly. As production scales, bio-based leather is expected to achieve price parity with animal leather, opening up mass-market adoption and driving strong ROI for investors, which in turn will lead to the best outcome for ecosystems, workers and consumers alike. 

The bio-based leather market is currently on a strong growth trajectory, driven by rising consumer demand, regulatory pressure and increasing investment in sustainable materials. Various companies have secured significant investments, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the sector. Additionally, as the demand for sustainable materials rises, bio-based leather companies present opportunities for investor returns through acquisitions by major brands or eventual IPOs.

Bio-based leather is positioned to significantly disrupt the animal and synthetic leather markets, offering a science-backed, high-growth investment opportunity to advance the material industry ethically and sustainably. With strict sustainability regulations, growing consumer awareness and proven demand for innovative alternatives, brands must transition to better materials.

While most leather comes from cows and calves (bovine leather), it is also made from the skin of pigs, goats and sheep (including lambs). More unusual and so-called exotic sources include alligators, ostriches, snakes and kangaroos. Animal-derived leather is a favourite for a reason—it’s durable, beautiful and is a mainstay of many everyday products, from shoes to wallets to cars.

Animal Leather Pros:

• Durability: Traditional leather is renowned for its longevity, often lasting decades with proper care.
• Aesthetic Appeal: It offers a classic, high-quality look and feel that many consumers value.
• Biodegradability: Untreated leather can eventually break down in natural environments.

Animal Leather Cons:

• Environmental Impact: Bovine leather production is resource-intensive, contributing in part to 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions through livestock farming. Deforestation and water pollution are also significant concerns.
• Ethical Issues: The leather industry raises animal welfare concerns and is closely tied to the meat industry.
• Chemical Usage: Tanning processes often involve hazardous chemicals, posing risks to workers and ecosystems. Finishing leather often involves plastic coatings.
• Toxic Water Waste: Leather tanneries are notoriously polluting of water. A study published in the Water Quality Research Journal highlights that tannery wastewater has become one of the dominant sources of industrial pollution, with the global leather industry producing approximately 600 million cubic meters of effluent annually.

Pleather, leatherette, current-gen leather, artificial/synthetic/faux/imitation leather—whatever you want to call it, it’s made from fossil fuels. Synthetic leather today is synonymous with polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are primarily derived from petroleum-based fossil fuels. PU can also come in recycled form or solvent-reduced waterborne PU.

These types of leather are often dubbed “vegan leather” since they contain no animal products. But that doesn’t mean they’re wholly environmentally friendly, just that they’re free from animal products (though from an emissions point of view, they often rate better than animal counterparts).

Synthetic Leather Pros:

• Cost-Effective: PU leather is more affordable than traditional leather, and PVC is typically the most affordable of all synthetics.
• Customisable: Available in a range of textures, colours, and finishes.
• Animal-Free: It’s a vegan alternative, appealing to consumers avoiding animal products.
• Durability: PVC leather is more resistant to water and abrasion than PU leather.

Synthetic Leather Cons:

• Non-Biodegradable: Made from petroleum-based materials, PU and PVC leather contribute to plastic waste and microplastic pollution.
• Durability Issues: Less durable than traditional leather, PU tends to crack and peel over time.
• Fossil Fuel Dependency: Production relies on non-renewable resources, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

• Toxicity: PVC production releases harmful chemicals like dioxins and phthalates, which can pose health risks. PVC is also a classified carcinogen in the US.

This new group of materials goes by several names: they might be called “next-gen leather”, “bio-based leather” or “bioleather”. Material inputs for next-gen leathers can be, for example, plant-based, fungal (mycelium), or recycled (e.g. petroleum-plastic, other fibres). 

The important thing to note is that “bio-based” doesn’t mean the material is necessarily 100% plant or biologically derived. Many bio-based leathers contain some degree of petroleum due to its desirable properties.

Partially Bio-Based Leather Pros:

• Reduced Plastic Content: These materials combine bio-based components (e.g. plant fibres) with synthetic polymers, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Lower Environmental Impact: Partially bio-based leathers often have a smaller carbon footprint than PU or PVC leather.
• Improved Customization: Offers similar versatility to synthetic leathers.

Partially Bio-Based Leather Cons:

• Limited Bio Content: Many options still contain petroleum-based inputs, limiting their overall sustainability.
• Durability Variance: Quality can vary widely, with some materials being less robust than traditional leather.
• End-of-Life Issues: Like PU and PVC, these materials are often non-biodegradable.

At Alt. Leather, we’re one of very few companies innovating the next generation of leather that doesn’t come from animals or petroleum-based plastics. We work to match the performance and quality of traditional options without the environmental cost.

100% Bio-Based Leather Pros:

• Eco-Friendly: Fully bio-based leathers are made from renewable resources like mycelium (fungi) and other plant-based materials. They often have a significantly lower carbon footprint.
• End-Of-Life Solutions: Many are designed to decompose naturally at the end of their lifecycle, or without affecting soil microbiome.
• Innovative Appeal: Pioneering brands using these materials can stand out as sustainability leaders.
• Customisable: Like synthetics, bio-based alternatives can be customised to include various textures and colours.
• Waste Reduction: They can use of biomass as a feedstock, reduce emissions and water waste during production, and are often produced in lineal metres to reduce cutting floor waste. They are also designed with end-of-life solutions in mind.

100% Bio-Based Leather Cons:

• Higher Cost: In this nascent industry 100% bio-based leathers are more expensive to produce than synthetic or traditional options.
• Scalability: Production can be limited as companies build, making it initially challenging for large-scale applications.
• Durability Concerns: While improving, some bio-based leathers may not yet match the longevity of traditional leather.

According to the 2025 ‘State of Fashion, Luxury’ report (subscription required) by Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Co., luxury leather goods are on the rise, and are “poised for the fastest growth at 4–6% per year between 2025 and 2027”. The report cites enduring demand for investment pieces as a purchase driver.

The jewellery category has an equally strong outlook and together the two groups are predicted to be the most resilient product category through 2027. Out of all categories, the two grew the fastest in the 2019 to 2023 period. The strong growth was driven by price increases and demand for iconic products, particularly in leather goods.

Luxury brands are exploring ways to balance volume growth with sustainability and exclusivity. At Alt. Leather, we think this represents an ideal opportunity for brands to implement novel and sustainable materials like our 100% bio-based leather. Furthermore, the report highlighted consumer concerns about (un)ethical supply chains and the environmental impact of luxury goods, further enforcing the chance for bio-based leather options to emerge as a multi-faceted solution that tackles environmental, ethical and quality concerns.

The report also highlighted that storytelling, and the new-found popularity of experiences, have a renewed importance in attracting luxury customers, who are looking for deeper meaning in their purchases. 

Bio-based leather is rich with storytelling possibilities that circle themes of innovation, sustainability, ethics and craftsmanship. Naturally, we’re biased, but could there be anything more exciting than a 100% bio-derived product designed from inception to have a super-low impact? A new type of material that has gone through thousands of iterations to become its best version; that has taken bright scientific minds and visionary entrepreneurial spirits to create; and that is made from 100% biological inputs, zero animal products and zero petroleum plastics, and yet is as beautiful and durable as the finest traditional leathers? 

We think the story behind bio-based leather makes a compelling narrative for luxury buyers. But are they willing to buy novel materials? Research elsewhere shows they are. According to a 2023 study by North Mountain Consulting Group for Material Innovation Initiative 92% of U.S. consumers are open to buying next-gen materials, “including 51% who were somewhat/moderately likely to purchase and 41% who were very/extremely likely to purchase,” the report noted.

The report also noted consumer scepticism around greenwashing. We believe brand engagement and investment in 100% bio-based leather alternatives with transparent LCA data would demonstrate genuine sustainability efforts, therefore enhancing customer trust and loyalty. 

While the Business of Fashion report found that on average, sustainability is only an important purchasing factor for 50% of luxury consumers, there is a growing desire for novelty and attention to quality, the latter coloured by concerns around ethical craftsmanship. Bio-based leather ticks the box for innovation, ethical manufacturing and quality.

With luxury leather’s projected annual growth of 4-6% between 2025 and 2027, investing in innovative leather alternatives taps into this lucrative segment while offering a point of differentiation.

Animal-derived leather is prized for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Whilst the traditional leather industry is not going away, its current production comes at a steep environmental cost:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: According to a 2013 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with methane from cattle being a significant contributor.
• Water Pollution: The tanning process generates large amounts of heavily polluted wastewater. Only a small percentage of leather is vegetable-tanned, leaving the majority reliant on chemical-heavy processes.
• Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss: Cattle farming is a leading cause of deforestation, particularly in the Amazon, where, according to the WWF, 17% out of a recommended upper limit of 20% has already been deforested.

Synthetic leather, often marketed as “vegan leather”, initially appeared as a more ethical and sustainable option. However, its reliance on petroleum-based materials like polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) raises significant concerns:

• Fossil Fuel Dependency: Synthetic leather contributes to the depletion of non-renewable resources and pollution. According to a 2022 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), plastics, including PU and PVC, are responsible for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Microplastic Pollution: During use and disposal, synthetic leathers shed microplastics, which contaminate ecosystems and enter the food chain.
• End-of-Life Challenges: Most synthetic leathers are not biodegradable, leading to long-term waste in landfills.

Bio-based leather is part of the next generation of sustainable materials, offering a viable solution to the challenges posed by traditional and synthetic leathers. These materials, derived from, for example, plants, fungi (mycelium) and/or recycled fibres, combine performance with environmental responsibility.

Here’s why we think major brands should make the shift:

1. 1. 1. Significant Environmental Benefits:
         • Lower Carbon Footprint: Bio-based products as a broad category have on average 45% lower emissions than fossil-fuel-derived products. Life-cycle assessment data from other bio-based leather companies has shown, variously, bio-based leather to be 19 times or 80% less impactful than animal leather, and 3.5 times or 21% less impactful than synthetic leather.
         • Resource Efficiency: Unlike cattle farming, which occupies significant global agricultural land, bio-based materials often utilise agricultural by-products or rapidly renewable resources.
         • Reduced Chemical Use: Many bio-based leathers avoid the harmful chemicals used in traditional tanning, protecting workers and ecosystems. At Alt. Leather we avoid tanning completely, instead using 100% plant-derived and bio-based dyes.
      2. Alignment with Consumer Values:
         • In 2018, Yoox Net-a-Porter surveyed 24,000 customers: 72% said social or environmental considerations influenced their purchasing decisions at least some of the time and 58% said having more information about the ethics and sustainability of a product would influence their shopping choices.
         • Bio-based leather alternatives allow brands to align with these values, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability.
      3. Regulatory Readiness:
         • Recent and incoming legislation, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the New York Fashion Act, will require brands to disclose and mitigate their environmental impact. Early adoption of bio-based materials can help brands stay ahead of and comply with these regulations.
      4. Innovation and Branding Opportunities:
         • Partnering with bio-based leather innovators like Alt. Leather allows brands to differentiate their products and tell a compelling sustainability story. Early adopters can become industry leaders, gaining a competitive advantage in a crowded market.

Several major brands are already taking steps to remove animal leather from their supply chains for environmental reasons. Companies like Apple, Tesla and Stella McCartney have publicly committed to eliminating traditional leather from their products. These decisions reflect a growing recognition of the environmental and ethical challenges associated with animal and synthetic leather and a commitment to align with consumer demand for sustainable solutions.

These initiatives demonstrate how forward-thinking companies can lead the industry toward a more sustainable and innovative future.

The transition to bio-based leather is not just an environmental imperative; it’s a business opportunity. Brands that adopt these materials can:

• Reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact.
• Meet and exceed consumer expectations for sustainable products.
• Gain a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.

At Alt. Leather, we’re leading the way with 100% bio-based, petroleum-plastic-free leather alternatives. Our materials are designed to be circular, low-impact and beautiful—offering a sustainable future without compromising on quality or performance.