Oxford University’s student Fique vegan leather won All-Innovate award

Fique Vegan Leather, made from the Colombian Fique vine, was declared the recipient of the All-Innovate award by an Oxford University undergraduate.

Gabriel Moreno, a student at Oxford University, is the inventor of Fique Vegan Leather, a 100 percent organic, biodegradable, and recycled cloth made from the Colombian Fique vine. Fiquetex, his latest textile firm, has won the All-Innovate award, which was created by Apple CEO Tim Cook in 2017. Moreno won a prize of GBP£5,000 (approximately US$6,871), which will help him expand his textile output.

The scholarship, which is open to all 24,000 Oxford pupils, aims out the most forward-thinking ideas that can have a positive impact on the planet. Gabriel and his father decided to find a way to combat climate change and live more sustainably, so they researched potential textiles for five years before settling on Fique cotton.

Fique Vegan Leather, in particular, uses only 10% of the energy used to produce the common fiber Nylon. Fiquetex’s patented circular economy method ensures that processing benefits the ecosystem and broader populations, from local producers harvesting the plant to the soil receiving nutrients. All the Fique products are degraded in just 100 days of being buried in the ground.

When living, the Fique plant absorbs CO2, helping to mitigate toxic pollution in the atmosphere. Furthermore, Fique is a cruelty-free solution to the horrific leather industry and the plastic industry, all of which are destroying our oceans.

With over 200 sample orders, the pair expects to launch the materials in July and is in talks with a number of Surrey businesses. Fiquetex has the ability to be adaptable for all markets, in addition to being a suitable replacement for leather in the fashion industry.

Fiquetex’s durability amazed the All-Innovate judges, as the durable substance can be used to produce provider bags, packing fabrics, scouring sheets, and even lower flower wrapping.