Biobased material as a vegan leather alternative

Lignin is what holds all woody plants together, a complex phenolic network in the lignocellulosic cell wall that gives trees and cereals their toughness. The biopolymer lignin can be considered a natural high performance additive with unique features as mechanical reinforcement, UV protection, antioxidation properties, temperature resistance and flame retardant. As a biobased and biodegradable polymer from non-food sources, lignin is an ideal and affordable solution to replace fossil sources and thus a natural alternative to non-sustainable ingredients still used in industries such as cosmetics, food, composites or bio fabrics.

A spin-off of a Northern German University uses the unique and diverse lignin features as well as experts know-how gained in years of university research. The company uses proprietary technology to tailor lignin particles of specific size and porosity to create diverse valuable materials and intermediary products.

The company has developed a 100% plant-based vegan leather. This biobased compound aims to replace animal leather as well as existing fossil based substitutes. The material is a flexible yet durable alternative suitable for diverse applications like
- textiles and apparel
- furniture
- interiors e.g. in automotive industries, aviation or shipbuilding
- any other leather goods

Specifications:
- Can be provided in form of granulates or sheets
- Up to 100% biobased, elastomeric formulation
- Adjustable flexibility, durability, thickness etc.
- Surface texturization and back fabric possible

The vegan leather is field tested and available for demonstration. The company starts own production of customized lignin intermediary products for fabrics/leather applications in 2021.

The company offers commercial agreements with technical assistance on sourcing and delivery of tailored granulates or sheets of this biobased material for specific customer demands. Further, the company offers technical cooperation agreements on assistance in lignin-based product development in the framework of customized application services for textile industries.