Circular economy and sustainability
DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS AS ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL LEATHER FROM AGRO-FOOD WASTE
V-LEATHER 2025
Motivation
Biomaterials are now widely present in industry, and the social education achieved in these areas has facilitated their inclusion in various applications. The aim is to bring these trends to the point where we can fully replace raw materials of petrochemical origin or involving toxic and/or polluting processes with renewable alternatives.
These sustainable alternatives must be able to replicate or match the properties of their competitors, achieving finishes with superior customization without compromising on the properties of the material. AITEX has experience in the research and development of innovative processes of synthesis, functionalization and customization of biomaterials that will be of great help to V-LEATHER 2025.
Objectives
The main objective of this project is the development of new sustainable biomaterials which include the use of agri-food waste in their development, to be implemented as substitutes for materials, focusing on making the resulting materials alternatives for animal leather. The solutions obtained in the development of this project will be aimed at the textile sector, specifically upholstery and fashion-accessories.
Value and competitive advantage
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Sustainable replacement of animal leather and conventional synthetic leather, reducing environmental impact and eliminating the use of petrochemical raw materials and polluting processes.
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Valorization of agri‑food waste as high value‑added resources.
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High technological and design differentiation, enabling the aesthetic and functional customization of advanced biomaterials with strong potential for industrial transfer to the textile and fashion sectors.
Obtained results
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Development and validation of sustainable leather‑like biomaterials based on bacterial cellulose, alginates, and bio‑based polyurethane systems, using agri‑food waste as raw material.
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Production of alternative materials to synthetic leather from kombucha tea, with aesthetic and mechanical properties suitable for fashion and upholstery applications.
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Investigation of the synthesis process of alginate‑based biomaterials reinforced with agricultural residues of diverse origin.
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Development of synthesis processes for polyurethane systems with high bio‑based content and their subsequent application through coating techniques on textile substrates.
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Preliminary validation of innovative alternative PU systems (foamed PU and NIPU), laying the groundwork for future industrial developments.
Grant number: IMAMCA/2025/6
Programme: Plan of non-economic activities 2025
Period of execution: January 2025 – December 2025
Status: Finished
More information: PLAN OF ACTION
Entity: IVACE
Project supported by the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Generalitat Valenciana, through IVACE.
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R&D AREAS
New high-performance functionalised materials
Circular economy and sustainability
Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
High value-added solutions for strategic markets
RELATED PROJECTS
NEWS
AITEX is present at the Babykid FIMI fair at Feria Valencia from January 26 to 28, presenting tests and certifications for children’s products.
AITEX has attended the Cosmetorium fair in Barcelona once again on October to present its new products for the cosmetic sector.
AITEX has hosted the LIFE POLITEX workshop entitled “Closing the textile polyester cycle: challenges and opportunities”, based on promoting sustainable solutions for the management and recycling of textile materials.