(PC:hortydaily.com)
In a groundbreaking stride towards sustainability, 26-year-old Pritesh Mistry from Mumbai has transformed tomato waste into a revolutionary material called “Bioleather.” Through his startup, The Bio Company (TBC), Mistry is redefining the leather industry by creating a vegan, biodegradable alternative that reduces reliance on animal leather and tackles food waste simultaneously.
The Genesis of Bioleather
India, the world’s second-largest tomato producer, generates approximately 44 million tons of tomatoes annually, with 30-35% going to waste, primarily as peels and seeds. Recognizing this as an opportunity, Mistry set out to convert this overlooked byproduct into a valuable resource. “Tomato waste, mainly skins and seeds, provides a sustainable raw material for Bioleather,” Mistry explains. After months of experimentation with formulations, textures, and durability, he developed a product that mimics leather’s look and feel while being entirely eco-friendly and biodegradable.
The Making of a Green Material
At TBC’s facility in Surat, Bioleather is crafted by blending tomato byproducts with biopolymers, plant-based binders, and natural fibers. The mixture undergoes non-toxic treatments to create a durable, leather-like texture. Unlike traditional synthetic leathers, Bioleather is free from polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), making it a standout in sustainable innovation. This process not only repurposes food waste but also minimizes environmental pollution.
A Game-Changer for Fashion and Beyond
Bioleather is gaining traction across industries, with early adopters in fashion, accessories, and automotive sectors. Sustainable brands are transforming this material into jackets, bags, and shoes, embracing its unique origin and eco-conscious appeal. Natasha Mangwani, founder and CEO of Toronto-based plant-based handbag brand Satuhaati, praises the innovation: “Bioleather is PU/PVC-free, setting it apart from conventional synthetic leather. It’s a remarkable innovation, and its plant-based leather is distinctive due to its unique origin: rejected tomatoes.”
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Mistry’s mission goes beyond creating a novel material. By addressing both food waste and pollution, The Bio Company aims to set a new standard for sustainability in the leather industry. “Our goal is to reduce food waste and pollution while turning a neglected byproduct into a valuable, eco-friendly material,” Mistry says. With Bioleather, he is not only offering a viable alternative to animal and synthetic leather but also inspiring a shift towards a circular economy.As the world seeks greener solutions, Pritesh Mistry’s Bioleather proves that innovation can turn even the humblest of waste—tomato peels—into a stylish, sustainable future.