Biodegradable Leather Alternative from Fruit Peels and Algae

Date:12 Jan 2022

Country: Germany

Application

• Leather alternative for fashion accessories: Can be used to create bags, buttons, and other accessories.
• Sustainable textile for various products: Versatile material for embroidery, weaving, and sewing, with potential in fashion and design industries.

Description

Youyang Song, a Berlin-based textile designer, has developed Peelsphere, a biodegradable, plant-based material made from fruit peels and algae. This leather alternative is versatile, durable, and waterproof, suitable for accessories like bags and buttons. The material is produced by extracting fibers and pectin from fruit peels, which are then processed into sheets that can be dyed and shaped. Peelsphere is 100% biodegradable and recyclable, aiming to replace animal hide and synthetic leathers in sustainable fashion.

 

 

Pathway Description:

The process involves sourcing fruit peels (banana and orange) from local juice suppliers. The peels' fibers and pectin are extracted and mixed with a bio-binder, then ground into fine pieces. This mixture is formed into sheets, which are dyed using natural dyes. The material can be laser-cut and 3D-printed into various products.