Vegan Virya: Leather from Sugarcane Waste

Date:10 July 2024

Country: India

Application

• Fashion Industry: Used as a sustainable alternative to traditional leather in clothing, footwear, and accessories.

Description

PETA India highlights the potential of sugarcane-based vegan leather, leveraging India's vast sugarcane production. PA Footwear P Ltd, in collaboration with the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, has developed Vegan Virya, a leather alternative made from over 95% plant-based materials, primarily sugarcane bagasse. The material has received PETA's "Approved Vegan" certification. This project offers an eco-friendly solution while utilizing agricultural waste and addressing sustainability in the fashion industry.

Pathway Description:

The process involves converting sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue left after extracting juice from sugarcane, into a vegan leather alternative. First, the bagasse is collected and processed into a pulp. This pulp is then combined with other agro-waste materials and treated through a special technology developed by PA Footwear P Ltd in collaboration with NIIST. The result is a material called Vegan Virya, which is over 95% plant-based, with 60% of it coming from agro-waste. The final product mimics the qualities of traditional leather while being eco-friendly and sustainable.