Danish firm introduces apple waste leather

In Copenhagen, a startup is developing a process that converts apple waste to a leather alternative. 

Beyond Leather Materials calls the material Leap after the “LEftover APles” from the cider and juice industries that provide the raw material. Organic textiles and a protective coating provide the rest of the three-layer material. 

Producing Leap emits 85% less carbon dioxide than traditional leather tanning, without animal or toxic chemicals.  The United Nations estimates clothing and footwear generate 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Consumer demand for more eco-friendly materials, however, is expected to create an $85 billion plant-based leather industry by 2025. 

Beyond Leather Materials was founded in 2017 and raised €1.1 million (US$1.3 million ) last year.