Executive Summary: The Development of a Biobased Cruelty-Free Leather Alternative from Kiwifruit Waste

Summary of Project and Key Findings (for public disclosure):
This BPA project, undertaken in collaboration with KiwiLeather Innovations Ltd., focused on developing a novel biobased textile from kiwifruit waste to meet the growing demand for more sustainable vegan leather alternatives. Many products marketed as “vegan leather” rely on fossil-derived polymers such as polyurethane or PVC, raising concerns around environmental impact, end-of-life disposal, and alignment with consumer sustainability expectations. This work addressed these challenges by adopting a circular approach, transforming New Zealand kiwifruit orchard waste into a higher-value textile with a reduced environmental footprint. The key outcome of the project was the development of an improved materials formulation. This formulation demonstrated that kiwifruit biomass can be combined with other biobased components to produce a flexible, water-resistant material suitable for high-value applications such as apparel and accessories, including purses and wallets. Additional outcomes included scale-up to kilogram-scale production, identification of key processing conditions, validation through prototype development, and a technoeconomic analysis to assess the commercial feasibility and cost competitiveness of the process. Together, these advances progressed the technology from TRL 2 to TRL 4.

Catalogue of IP Generated by the Project (kept confidential to the BPA):
The following summarizes the intellectual property (IP) assets developed under this project. These assets comprise novel chemical formulations, proprietary processing methodologies, material characterisation datasets, and prototype demonstrators.

1. Scoping
a. Identification of novel chemical components and formulation motifs with potential for protection
b. Development of proprietary process flow diagrams outlining techniques for kiwifruit processing and kiwifruit leather manufacture

2. Processing and Formulation
a. Generation of proprietary processing datasets detailing pre-treatment and preparation of kiwifruit biomass
b. Creation of formulation datasets and material demonstrators, including the optimised formulation, with potential IP coverage
c. Definition of manufacturing parameters for production of kiwifruit-based leather, including incorporation of fibres and fabrics as internal scrim
d. Materials characterisation datasets supporting novelty and inventive step, including:
i. Tensile properties
ii. Thermal performance
iii. Infrared spectroscopy profiles
iv. Rub/abrasion resistance
e. Establishment of scale-up parameters for commercial production, including maximum material thickness, coating compatibility, and compatibility with various fibres and fabrics

3. Technoeconomic Analysis
a. Evaluation of process feasibility, cost structure, and commercial viability, supporting strategic IP valuation and commercialisation planning

4. Final Prototype Demonstrators
a. Production of prototype materials demonstrating the novel kiwifruit-based leather in application-relevant formats, providing proof-of-concept and supporting potential patent claims

Statement from the industry partner describing the business impact of the project (kept confidential to the BPA):
The project has successfully advanced KiwiLeather Innovations’ technology from TRL 2 to TRL 4, demonstrating the technical feasibility of producing a biobased, next-generation material from kiwifruit waste. Through the development of an optimised formulation, validated prototype materials, and supporting technoeconomic analysis, key technical and commercial risks have been reduced, positioning the business for progression to pilot-scale manufacturing and early market entry.

This work establishes a clear pathway to transform New Zealand’s kiwifruit waste into a high-value product, creating new economic opportunities within the horticulture sector while reinforcing the country’s clean and green positioning. The project has also generated significant intellectual property, strengthening long-term competitiveness and supporting future patenting and licensing strategies. With validated material performance and increasing global demand for sustainable alternatives, KiwiLeather is well positioned to enter high-value international markets, delivering both environmental benefits through reduced reliance on fossil-based materials and a scalable model for future growth.

TRL at start of project = 2
TRL at end of project = 4