EEN Offer - German company, providing a sustainable vegan leather alternative, is looking for companies from the footwear, leather accessories and interior design industry
The German startup has developed an innovative, sustainable substitute for leather made from hemp that can be used in industries such as fashion, accessories, and interior design. The company is looking for companies from the footwear, leather accessories and interior design industry that are interested in innovative and sustainable products like shoe insoles, belt coatings, acoustic panels, labels and tags. Cooperation under supplier agreements are envisaged.
Full description
The innovative German company was founded in 2021 after six years of R&D. The spin-off of the Technical University of Darmstadt has grown to 15 employees with a broad range of expertise in science, engineering and business.
The company has developed a sustainable, vegan leather alternative made from purely plant-based material. The leather-like, oil-free, and residue-based material can be used as a substitute for leather in various industries such as footwear, furniture, fashion and automotive. It is made from residual fibers from industrial hemp cultivation. Unlike faux or vegan leathers, the company’s material does not contain any petrol based products and is fully biodegradable. The product is a truly circular material since it is compostable and recyclable. Furthermore, it can be produced carbon neutrally (cradle to gate).
The material is ideal to replace leather and plastics (PU, PVC) surfaces. Due to the usage of hemp fibres, the material has great mechanical properties, e.g. abrasion, tear, tensile strength. Products made with their material maintain a neutral scent, enhancing consumer comfort.
The material can be offered in different surface options (suede, smooth and embossed, for example with a classical leather grain) and in different colors (grey and brown shades at the moment). The company uses natural pigments for dyeing. The material can be processed with following methods: gluing, sewing, molding, lamination, perforation.
The company is looking for partners from the footwear, leather accessories, and interior design industry to jointly develop new products like shoe insoles, belt coatings, acoustic panels and labels or tags. The sought cooperation partners are well-established entities with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability willing to invest in common product development. The German company is delivering the material and is looking for supplier cooperation agreements with technical assistance.
Advantages and innovation
Innovation:
The innovative products represent a major leap in textile innovation as a 100% plant-based, plastic-free material designed to transform the traditional and synthetic leather markets. Made from residual hemp fibers, the developed material is not only environmentally friendly, but also versatile in its applications, covering industries ranging from footwear and fashion to furniture and automotive. Its unique properties ensure full compostability and recyclability, setting a new standard in sustainable material design.
Ecological advantages:
The material was ecologically designed to support sustainability: Fully recyclable, it fosters a circular economy by allowing materials to re-enter the production cycle. Made without harmful substances, it ensures safer environments and promotes healthier ecosystems. Its material efficiency maximizes resource use, reducing waste. Additionally, the company uses sustainably cultivated, renewable hemp resiudes to lower its ecological footprint and enhance environmental sustainability.
Economic advantages:
The material is the only alternative to leather that is sustainable and scalable at the same time. Scalable due to continuous production by the meter, the possibility of manufacturing it on existing machines and the wide availability of raw materials. Therefore a competitive price can be achieved.
Aspect of sustainability:
- Hemp by-product from hemp famers from Germany and neighboring countries
- Carbon sink: The used hemp is from certified organic cultivation. It is grown without fertilizers or
pesticides. Due to its long roots, hemp stores carbon in the soil.
- Zero plastic: No plastic coatings or backings are involved.
- Recyclable: The material is a mono-material that can be easily recycled.
- Biodegradable: The material is biodegradable and poses no threat to nature. Home composting trials have shown that the material is completely biodegraded within 90 days.
- Carbon footprint: Carbon neutral in a cradle-to-g
Expected role of the partner
The German innovative fabrics developer is seeking partners who are innovative and committed to sustainability, particularly in industries such as footwear, leather accessories and interior design.
The potential partners should:
• Footwear/belt industry: Collaborate on the development of shoe insoles and belt coatings. The partners will be responsible for integrating the material with other materials to create durable, comfortable, and sustainable products. They should possess expertise in material integration and product design.
• Interior Design: The material would work out very well for acoustic panels. The partners will help develop and market these panels, ensuring they meet acoustic performance standards. Experience in sound proofing solutions and sustainable materials is essential.
• Label and Tag Manufacturers: Partners should focus on design, durability, and functionality.
The tasks to be performed by the potential partner include product development, prototyping, market testing, and large-scale production. They expect partners to be proactive in research and development, capable of providing technical support, and have robust distribution networks.
