/local-samosal/media/agency_attachments/sdHo8lJbdoq1EhywCxNZ.png)
/local-samosal/media/media_files/2025/12/17/lsv-roundtable-desktop-leaderboard-2025-12-17-14-50-02.png)
Follow Us/local-samosal/media/media_files/2026/01/21/leafy-leather-1-2026-01-21-16-44-05.png)
Most of us don’t think twice about what goes into the shoes, wallets or bags we use every day. But traditional leather production consumes vast amounts of water, chemicals and energy, often leaving a heavy environmental footprint. In a world where fashion often comes at the expense of the planet, Leafy Leather is on a mission to change how leather‑like materials are made.
From Waste to Wearable Innovation
Co‑founded by fashion designer Manisha Jasani and chemist Ashish Ramani, the company uses agricultural by‑products such as corn husks and banana stems to create plant‑based, bio‑material alternatives to traditional leather. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to help drive a global shift towards sustainable fashion while minimising environmental impact.
Ashish explains it simply in a recent interview. “We transform agricultural waste, such as corn husks and banana stems, into sustainable, cruelty‑free, plant‑based leather sheets that reduce pollution, support farmers and replace animal and plastic‑based leather.”
Leafy Leather transforms materials that would otherwise be discarded into durable, versatile sheets that can be used for footwear, bags, wallets, laptop cases and more. Their production process conserves resources, supports ethical practices and empowers local communities involved in sourcing and processing agricultural waste. Each sheet represents a step towards a circular economy — one that protects the planet, supports people and encourages fashion brands to adopt eco‑conscious materials without compromising on design or quality. “Not plastic. Not an animal. Something new, the base sheet itself is almost 100% bio‑based, the core comes from plants, and the outer layer helps it last,” the co-founder was quoted saying in another interview.
A Growing Market for Plant-Based Leather
India’s plant-based leather sector forms part of a rapidly growing market for vegan and sustainable materials. The broader vegan leather market in India was valued at around US$2.23 billion in 2024, with projections suggesting it could reach US$5 billion by 2033 as demand for ethical and environmentally friendly products increases. Innovations in materials — from mushroom (mycelium) leather and pineapple leather (Piñatex) to locally developed mango leather — are helping to shape a future where fashion is both stylish and responsible.
Ashish draws inspiration from his upbringing in Surat, India’s textile hub, where he witnessed the enormous waste and pollution generated by synthetic fabrics and leather. As a fashion designer, Manisha was motivated to create materials that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
Growth in this space is being fueled by rising veganism and ethical consumption, a stronger focus on biodegradable, cruelty‑free materials, and technological advances that make it easier to convert agricultural waste into high-performance alternatives to traditional leather. Challenges remain, including higher research and development costs and certification hurdles, but companies like Leafy Leather show that sustainable alternatives can match the quality and durability expected by designers and consumers alike.
Scaling Commercial Production
The Surat-based brand has now scaled up commercial production, making high-quality, plant-based leather‑like sheets available at scale. Through a trusted vendor network, designers and brands can turn innovative ideas into finished products with confidence. Leafy Leather aims to lead the industry in delivering bio-based material solutions that combine sustainability, performance and design versatility. With the plant-based leather sector in India poised for significant growth, the company is well‑placed to inspire designers, consumers and manufacturers to rethink the future of fashion — one sheet at a time.