Fashion is getting a sustainable makeover, and the surprising hero is the tomato. Pritesh Mistry a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Mumbai, has developed an alternative to animal leather by transforming tomato waste into Bioleather, a plant-based material now finding its way into shoes, bags, and even car interiors.
The Bio Company (TBC), founded by Mistry has already drawn international recognition, winning the Best Innovation in Textile Award at the PETA Vegan Fashion Awards in 2021. Unlike conventional synthetic leather, Bioleather is free of polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), making it a fully biodegradable and cruelty-free material.
Tackling Food Waste and Pollution Together
India produces nearly 44 million tons of tomatoes each year, but 30–35% of this ends up wasted. Mistry saw an opportunity in this problem. Tomato skin and seeds, which usually rot as waste, are rich in pectin and natural fibers perfect ingredients to create a leather-like texture that is flexible, durable, and eco-friendly.
“By using tomato by-products, we are solving two issues at once food waste and the environmental damage caused by the leather industry,” says Mistry. His inspiration came while working on a biotechnology project during college, which led him to both farms brimming with waste and Kanpur tanneries notorious for toxic pollution.
After months of experiments, he produced a prototype that looked and felt like leather but was 100% plant-based and biodegradable. TBC has since patented the process to protect its innovation and ensure leadership in sustainable leather alternatives.
Growing Demand Across Fashion and Beyond
Today Bioleather is manufactured at TBC Surat facility, which produces around 5,000 meters a month. The process involves sourcing waste tomatoes from farmers and processing units in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, then blending them with plant-based binders and fibers. A non-toxic curing process and plant-based coating give the material strength and water resistance without compromising on sustainability.
The response from industries has been encouraging. Sustainable fashion brands have already adopted Bioleather for jackets, handbags, and shoes. Toronto-based handbag label Satuhati began using the material in 2024 and reported overwhelming sales during the holiday season. Even the automotive sector is exploring its use for interiors and upholstery.
Unlike synthetic leathers, Bioleather has a neutral, pleasant smell, avoiding the harsh chemical odors typical of faux leather. With demand rising, Mistry is preparing to scale up production while maintaining the brand eco-first values.