A new material, grown not grazed.
Bioleather
ABOUT BIOLEATHER
What is bioleather?
BioLeather is an iBiotech research programme developing a bio-based alternative to conventional leather, grown from microbial cellulose. It’s part of our mission to bring genuinely sustainable materials to the fashion industry.
The current problem
Traditional leather relies on livestock farming and tanning, a process that uses vast quantities of water and generating significant emissions and chemical waste.
Synthetic “faux” leathers were meant to be the answer. Instead, most are made from plastic polyurethane derived from fossil fuels, unable to biodegrade, and prone to releasing microplastics.
Neither option is sustainable. The industry needs a genuine alternative. A renewable, lower impact solution that’s better for the planet.
Our Solution
Grown, not farmed or fossil-fuelled.
BioLeather is grown from microbial cellulose, a natural material produced through fermentation, rather than livestock or petrochemicals.
Our research focuses on cultivating and refining this material into something durable, versatile and leather-like: a genuinely bio-based alternative, built with biology rather than plastic. Development is ongoing, as we work to refine performance and prepare the material for real-world use.
Key Benefits
Good for people. Better for the planet.
100% bio-based
Grown from natural, renewable microbial sources, not livestock or fossil fuels.
How it works
Microbial cellulose is grown through biological processes, providing a renewable platform for developing next-generation leather-like materials.
Sustainability
Designed to use significantly fewer natural resources than traditional leather.
Why it matters
Biological manufacturing offers an opportunity to rethink how materials are produced using renewable biological systems rather than conventional resource-intensive processes.
Low environmental impact
Reduced water use and a smaller footprint at every stage.
The opportunity
Controlled biological production offers opportunities to reduce resource use and waste throughout the material manufacturing process.
Biodegradable
Built to break down naturally, unlike plastic-based synthetics.
End of life
Bio-based materials offer the opportunity to create more responsible end-of-life pathways than persistent synthetic alternatives.
Potential Applications
Bioleather is being developed with a range of future uses in mind:
Fashion & accessories: clothing, bags and small leather goods
Automotive interiors
Furniture & upholstery
Research & Development
BioLeather is an active, ongoing research programme. Our team continues to refine the material’s production process, performance and scalability. Every stage of research brings us closer to a market-ready material.