Australian startup Alt. Leather is making waves in the materials science industry with its innovative, sustainable leather alternative crafted from plant-based resources and recycled textiles. This groundbreaking material eliminates the need for animal products and harmful plastics, offering a significantly reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional leather and synthetic alternatives.

Founded by Tina Funder, Alt. Leather identified a crucial gap in the market for truly eco-friendly leather options. The company utilized a unique blend of natural fibers and agricultural waste to create a material that convincingly mimicked the look and feel of conventional leather.

The company reports that its production generates approximately three times fewer emissions than animal leather production and 30% to 70% less than polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) synthetic leathers. In terms of energy consumption, the manufacturing process is said to reduce usage by 60% to 65% compared to PU/PVC leather production. Additionally, Alt. Leather boasts a water impact that is roughly 50% lower than that of traditional leather production.

The development of this sustainable leather alternative has been significantly supported by Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Alt. Leather leverages green technology to replicate the intricate 3D network structure of animal leather using natural fibers. The resulting material reportedly meets stringent international quality standards for both durability and aesthetic appeal.

Initially, Alt. Leather rigorously tested its material using a small extruder machine to confirm its viability. Following successful trials, the company scaled up its operations using larger extruders to assess the potential for mass production. Participation in CSIRO’s Kick-Start program provided Alt. Leather with access to cutting-edge facilities and expert guidance, enabling them to refine their production processes and optimize their material.

A key differentiator of Alt. Leather's product is its commitment to circularity. According to the company's website, 10% of its ingredients are upcycled from textiles and cellulose destined for landfills or incineration. The remaining 90% is derived from regenerative plants, ensuring a readily available and sustainable resource stream. Furthermore, Alt. Leather is actively exploring the biodegradability and recyclability of its material, aiming for a truly end-of-life conscious product.

Furthering their development and exploring manufacturing capabilities, Alt. Leather joined CSIRO’s India-Australia RISE Accelerator program.

"The real-world production runs in India provided valuable insights into the operational challenges of mass manufacturing," stated founder Tina Funder. "It allowed us to fine-tune our approach at an industrial scale and further improve the efficiency of our processes."