Leather substitute developed in India
A Calcutta-based import-export company Technocom House Pvt. Ltd, claims it has developed a paper-based material that has the appearance and properties of leather but a much more attractive price. The material is a recycled composite made from wood free-paper mixed with cotton, jute and denim wastes.
The innovative water resistant product is bio-degradable and can be recycled, according to the company’s Executive Director, Probir Saha. “The wood-free paper product can replace leather goods commonly used in the international market and has been tested for durability by the Central Leather Research Institute in
The company has developed a number of products including wallets, handbags, file cases, shoes, slippers, winter jackets, cards and passport cases, and even ties under the brand name ‘Saver.’ The name is designed to stress the low price of the product, at approximately 50% of the cost of leather, but also the animal and environmentally-friendly aspect of its production.
The firm is currently awaiting the listing of its patent.
