NIIST looking to develop ‘vegan leather’
The Hindu
Eco-friendly alternative from agro-wastes
After showing that agro-residues can be used to make chic tableware, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) here is looking to develop ‘vegan leather’ from agro-wastes such as mango peels and pineapple leaves.
The research on ‘vegan leather’ and food packaging material from farm waste is the next step in a research programme which used rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, fruit peel and wheat bran for making durable plates and cups, a success story which won the NIIST accolades at the national level in September.
‘Vegan leather’ is considered an eco-friendly and ethical substitute to leather from animal skin. The NIIST is working on technologies for its cost-effective development for use in consumer goods such as bags, footwear, wallets and belts, according to Anjineyulu Kothakota, NIIST scientist leading the project.
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