Wastea vegan leather made with bio-based polyurethane resin (bio-PUR) and waste tea leaves. A durable and resilient material, it is suitable for applications in fashion, apparel, interiors, furniture, upholstery and automotive.
Modern Synthesis are developing nanocellulose-based biomaterials, such as leather-like fabrics. Bacteria grow the raw material, nanocellulose, as a natural byproduct of fermentation. Modern Synthesis then creates a customised nanocellulose biofilm, which they combine with a natural textile to create a versatile range of non-woven materials.
Cross section through an automotive instrument panel (dashboard) featuring BASF Elastoflex polyurethane resin (PUR) foam. This is a safety critical part of the design, as well as important visual and tactile aspect, sitting in front of the driver. In must be able to tolerate some demanding conditions - temperature extremes, direct sunlight and heat through the windshield - while maintaining its appearance for the life of the vehicle. They are made with various material technologies, such as with unpainted polypropylene (PP), or as is the case with higher spec vehicles like this example, using PUR foam between an injection moulded structural carrier and tactile surface foil. The foam bonds the carrier, which is typically PP or polycarbonate blended with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS), to the surface foil to create a smooth profile with soft touch feel. Surface foils include thermoplastic olefin (TPO), and slush moulded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Image BASF.
Hvisk handbag in Leap alternative leather. This 89% bio-based textile is made with a three-layer structure comprising a Tencel Lyocell regenerated cellulose backing fabric, apple waste natural rubber blend middle layer that is plastic-free but not 100% bio-based, and partially bio-based BASF polyurethane (PUR) coating for durability.
The Adidas Tilt 350 pro boxing gloves feature Desserto cactus leather, which is produced using fibres extracted from the Nopal cactus (also known as the prickly pear) mixed with PU-based resin. The cacti are grown on a ranch in Mexico without chemicals or irrigation, where they are harvested and converted into fabric. Image Adidas.
NIO car seats feature BASF Haptex artificial leather made with polyurethane resin (PUR). This is the first PUR made without organic solvents, which helps to ensure higher interior air quality. Image BASF.
BASF Haptex artificial leather made with polyurethane resin (PUR). It is a very durable textile used in many different applications, such as footwear, fashion, furniture upholstery and automotive interiors. Image BASF.
Kolon perforated synthetic nonwoven suede produced from recycled polyester. It is used for automotive interiors, furniture, luxury goods and interiors.
Gen1 Grapes T. Black trainers by Mother Earth [MoEa] sneakers brand. The upper is made with GrapeSkin synthetic leather, which is made up of 55% grape waste, 45% water-based polyurethane resin (PUR) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), polyester, backing. Natural rubber sole with 30% recycled content. Image MoEa.
Birkenstock sandals moulded in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Modelled on the classic cork and leather sandal, this one-piece shoe is lightweight, waterproof and washable.
Leap plant-based leather alternative from Beyond Leather takes apple waste and converts it into textile. Currently 89% bio-based, it is made up of a three-layer structure, with a Tencel Lyocell regenerated cellulose backing fabric, apple waste blend middle layer that is plastic-free but not 100% bio-based, and partially bio-based polyurethane coating for durability. Image Beyond Leather.
Spot Material is a database of materials for sustainable design, curated by Rob Thompson. Compare properties, carbon and end of life, find better alternatives and discover new material innovations. Browse all materials
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