Sappi North America and Biophilica partner to improve plant-based leather

In Massachusetts, Biophilica, the company behind Treekind plastic-free leather alternative, is using products from paper and pulp company Sappi, to make Treekind look and feel more realistic. Specifically, Biophilica is applying Sappi’s high-fidelity, 3D, leather grain solution to impart texture to Treekind through the application of Sappi’s Ultracast Viva® release paper.

“Inclusion of plastic-containing coatings has dominated the vegan leather industry, limiting consumers with few fully sustainable choices and a material that often has a plastic-like touch inferior to the quality or feel of traditional leather,” said Mark Hittie, Director Release Business Strategy at Sappi North America. “Through our partnership and Biophilica’s continued commitment to creating an authentic leather alternative, Treekind is now a strong sustainable market opponent to natural leather products and other plastic-based vegan leathers due to its genuine look and feel.”

Biophilica Founder and CEO Mira Nameth said it has received an “impressive” increase in positive feedback from brand partners since using Sappi’s solution.