Yugen is transforming pomegranate peel waste into an eco-friendly leather alternative, significantly reducing emissions and promoting sustainability in the leather industry.

The leather tanning industry is facing increased scrutiny due to its significant environmental impact, particularly in terms of pollution from hazardous materials such as chromium and arsenic. This has prompted innovators to seek sustainable alternatives, one of which is being developed by Yugen, a company founded by patent holder Ali Tüysüzo?lu at the ITU ARI Technopolis in Turkey.

In an interview with an AA reporter, Tüysüzo?lu detailed the initiative focused on transforming waste pomegranate peels—an abundant byproduct of juice production—into a viable leather alternative. He noted that Turkey generates approximately 50,000 tons of pomegranate peel waste annually, which often goes to landfills. “When waste remains classified as waste and is disposed of, it is the worst thing that can be done to these potential biomasses because the items we classify as waste are very valuable materials,” Tüysüzo?lu explained.

By utilizing this agricultural waste, Yugen aims to create a supply chain that processes pomegranate peels into ready-to-use raw materials while adhering to ecological protocols throughout. Their product, described as vegan leather, has a wide range of applications, including clothing, footwear, furniture, and automotive interiors.

The environmental credentials of this vegan leather are notable. Tüysüzo?lu highlighted that the production process results in a 15-fold reduction in emissions when compared to traditional animal leather. He stated, “During the production of 1 square meter of animal leather, wastewater is produced equivalent to the clean water needs of a person for 2 years; we do not produce any wastewater in this production.” He emphasized that their processes are both solvent-free and water-free, making the production environmentally responsible.

In terms of composition, the vegan leather products consist of 40% pomegranate peel and the remainder made from starch-based, bio-based polyurethanes. Tüysüzo?lu underscored their commitment to responsible production by eliminating the use of petroleum-derived inputs and reducing dependency on solvents and water.

While the cost of their vegan leather is approximately one-third to one-fourth the price of animal leather, it is also priced slightly higher than synthetic leather. Tüysüzo?lu shared that he strives to ensure that consumers will not have to compromise on quality or preference while making ethical choices, stating, “What we are trying to do here is to ensure that consumers do not have to compromise on their preferences when making an ethical choice.”

The research and development efforts surrounding this innovative product are supervised by Dr. Nebahat Aral from Yeditepe University’s Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering. Tüysüzo?lu indicated that the vegan leather is available in multiple colors and closely resembles both synthetic and animal leather in texture and appearance.

Looking ahead, Yugen aims to further enhance their products, with plans to develop materials that are 100% biodegradable and explore the use of additional raw materials.

Source: Noah Wire Services