Alt. Leather is revolutionizing the leather industry with a plant-based alternative, aiming for a greener future across various sectors.
Alt. Leather, an innovative startup operating out of Melbourne, Australia, has made significant strides in developing an environmentally friendly leather alternative designed for a variety of industries, including footwear, fashion, upholstery, and automotive. The company offers a material which is fully plant-based, derived from natural fibers and agricultural waste, and notably free from plastics.
According to a press release from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the new alternative closely resembles traditional leather in both aesthetics and tactile experience. The product aims to serve as a substitute for conventional leather goods, reducing the environmental footprint associated with traditional leather production.
The company outlines on its official website that its “material scientists have developed an innovative formula that meets global ISO standards for strength, abrasion resistance, flexibility and colour fastness.” Notably, 10% of the materials used in this new leather substitute come from upcycled textiles and cellulose that would otherwise end up in landfills or incineration, while all ingredients are sourced from regenerative plants that are plentiful around the world. Moreover, Alt. Leather is committed to sustainability by designing its materials with end-of-life considerations, currently testing for both degradability and recyclability.
In an effort to establish itself in the rapidly growing market for eco-friendly products, Alt. Leather was founded by Tina Funder, who recognized a gap for alternatives to both synthetic and animal leathers. However, the startup faced challenges in acquiring the specialized equipment needed for refining its production processes. To overcome this barrier, they turned to CSIRO for assistance. The release mentioned that “Tina saw an opportunity to tap into Australia’s abundance of regenerative plants and leading research facilities to transform the leather industry.”
Beginning with trials on small-scale extruders—machines that mold materials by forcing them through a shape—Funder and her team were able to assess the material’s performance. Following successful tests, they transitioned to larger extruders, allowing them to explore the feasibility of scaling up their production.
Funder emphasized the importance of these trials in her statement: “The structured approach of Kick-Start allowed us to test our material in a real-world setting and confirm that it could be scaled up.”
Furthermore, through CSIRO’s India Australia RISE Accelerator program, Alt. Leather gained significant insights and connections. The program facilitated direct access to manufacturers in Chennai and Noida, where their footwear and handbags were produced. In addition, the startup received personalized guidance from industry experts and facilitators from both India and Australia, which has been crucial for enhancing their product’s commercial viability as consumers and companies increasingly seek sustainable options. Funder reiterated the program’s importance, noting, “For Alt. Leather, this support has been pivotal in unlocking the commercial readiness of their sustainable, circular solution.”
Continuing to enhance its product, Alt. Leather is actively engaged in improving the performance and composition of its materials through ongoing testing. The organization also plans to partner with both international and Australian brands interested in integrating a sustainable leather alternative into their offerings. Funder further stated, “We’ve learned how to navigate international supply chains and manufacturing landscapes, positioning us well for global expansion.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
