Biophilica secures certification for leather alternative

Biophilica has achieved the USDA’s 100% Certified Biobased label for Treekind, a home compostable and plastic-free leather alternative made from leaves. Unlike many plant-based leather alternatives that contain polyurethane (PU) and are not recyclable or compostable, Treekind stands out with its eco-friendly properties.

Developed in London, Treekind is composed of lignocellulose from urban and agricultural sources and a natural binder, designed to decompose within a year in soil or water with the help of microbes. Treekind’s production uses less than 0.1% of the water required for conventional leather processing, contains no toxic chemicals, and boasts a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

The ongoing BioPreferred certification process ensures continued compliance, providing reassurance to Biophilica’s stakeholders about the material’s sustainability. This certification helps combat greenwashing and supports the bioeconomy, as highlighted by Vernell Thompson from the USDA BioPreferred program.

Mira Nameth, Biophilica’s CEO and co-founder, emphasized the importance of the certification for brands seeking truly biobased materials. Following its market introduction in 2023, supported by a £1.2 million seed investment, Biophilica is now conducting large-scale and pre-commercial trials to meet the growing demand for Treekind in the UK and Europe.