The Bio Company (TBC) gained recognition at the PETA Vegan Fashion Awards in 2021 for its innovative use of tomato waste in creating bioleather. Pritesh Mistry, TBC's founder, has developed a method to transform tomato by-products into a sustainable leather alternative, free from polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
India, as the second-largest producer of tomatoes, generates approximately 44 million tons annually, with 30-35% going to waste. This waste, primarily skin and seeds, serves as the raw material for Bioleather. Mistry notes that tomatoes are rich in pectin, a natural polymer that enhances the material's flexibility and strength, while their fibrous structure and natural oils contribute to a leather-like texture.
Mistry's journey began as a biotechnology student at Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, where he developed Bioleather as a final-year project. His visits to Kanpur's tanneries and local farms highlighted the environmental impact of leather tanning and food waste. These insights drove him to create a sustainable alternative addressing both issues.
TBC launched its first product, 'Original Bioleather,' in 2019, focusing on vegan, carbon-neutral, and biodegradable materials dyed with natural dyes. The company sources tomato waste from food processing units and farms in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, forming partnerships to repurpose these by-products.
At TBC's Surat plant, Bioleather is crafted using tomato by-products, biopolymers, plant-based binders, and natural fibers. The process involves blending and non-toxic curing to achieve a durable, leather-like texture, with a final plant-based coating enhancing water resistance and durability.
Bioleather is gaining traction across fashion, accessories, and automotive sectors. Toronto-based Natasha Mangwani, founder & CEO of Satuhati, remarks, "Bioleather is PU/PVC free which sets it apart from conventional faux leathers. It's an extraordinary innovation and its plant-based leather stands out for its unique origin: rejected tomatoes."
TBC's current production capacity is around 5,000 meters of Bioleather per month, with plans to scale as demand increases. Mistry emphasizes maintaining quality and sustainability as top priorities.
Source: the better india