By Nicole Alejandra Benavides / Translated by Samai Páez
The Peruvian company Leather Lab has taken a decisive step towards the future of sustainable fashion by developing bio-leather from fruit and vegetable residues. This entrepreneurship, founded in 2021 by biotechnologist Gustavo Castillo, uses agro-industrial waste such as avocado shells, mango and purple corn to produce an eco-friendly material with the same quality and resistance of traditional leather, but with a drastically lower environmental impact.
Thanks to the financing of ProInnóvate, Leather Lab has managed to scale its production and is currently developing prototypes of bags, purses and wallets with bio-leather, which are being validated for commercialization both nationally and internationally. This material not only saves up to 90% of water in its production, but also is completely biodegradable and does not generate a carbon footprint.
This project is a pioneer in the implementation of circular economy principles in the Peruvian textile industry, transforming what was previously considered waste into a sustainable and socially responsible solution. Leather Lab has also established alliances with agricultural communities, generating additional income for producers through waste collection.
With expansion plans towards Europe, Leather Lab seeks to position itself as a leader in the global market for sustainable textiles, showcasing that innovation can be a key driver for change in fashion.
Sources:
https://elperuano.pe/noticia/239034-jovenes-peruanos-crean-biocuero-sostenible-a-partir-de-residuos
