Shoes and bags made from tomatoes earned The Bio Company (TBC) the Best Innovation in Textile award at the PETA Vegan Fashion Awards in 2021. The start-up, founded by Pritesh Mistry, produces a leather alternative from tomato waste under the brand Bioleather.
Bioleather is made without polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). "India, being the second-largest producer of tomatoes with about 44 million tons produced annually, faces the challenge of 30-35% of it going to waste," says Mistry. "This waste, primarily in the form of skin and seeds, provides a sustainable raw material for Bioleather." Tomatoes are rich in pectin, which contributes to flexibility and strength, while their fibrous structure and natural oils create a leather-like texture and ensure biodegradability.
Mistry developed the concept while studying biotechnology at Thadomal Shahani Engineering College in Mumbai. Visits to farms and tanneries highlighted both food waste and pollution, leading him to experiment with tomato by-products. "It took months of experimenting with tomato by-products, testing different formulations, and working on the texture and durability to create something that resembled leather, yet was fully sustainable and biodegradable," he explains.
Since launching its first product in 2019, TBC has patented both its technology and production process. The company sources tomato waste from food processing units and farms in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. At its Surat plant, tomato by-products are combined with biopolymers, plant-based binders, and natural fibers. The mixture undergoes non-toxic curing and a final plant-based coating to enhance water resistance and durability. The result is a PU- and PVC-free, biodegradable leather alternative.
Early adopters include brands in the fashion, accessories, and automotive sectors. "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," says Natasha Mangwani, founder of Toronto-based handbag label Satuhati. The company began using Bioleather in 2024 for the commercial production of handbags. Automotive manufacturers are also evaluating their use for interiors and upholstery.
Asked about its scent, Mistry states that Bioleather has a neutral smell, avoiding the synthetic or chemical odours common with artificial leathers.
Current output is about 5,000 meters per month at the Surat facility. "This production capacity is scalable, and as demand increases, we are working to expand our output while ensuring the quality and sustainability of the material remain top priorities," says Mistry.
Source: The Better India