3DBT reveals a world first - with naturally structured lab-grown leather

This innovative product, revealed at the Future Fabrics Expo in London, is made from tissue-engineered skin grown solely from cells, specifically immortalised cells from an animal. The leather is structurally and genetically identical to traditional leather but is produced without harming animals and can be tanned using traditional or eco-friendly methods.

The lab-grown leather addresses issues of inconsistency and imperfections found in traditional leather, offering a uniform and scalable alternative. It is also biodegradable within 10-50 years, unlike polymer-based alternatives. The project is supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other co-funders.

This development could be a game-changer for the luxury fashion sector, providing an ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional leather.

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