UK-based biotech startup 3D Bio-Tissues (3DBT) has introduced a sustainable and animal-free leather alternative, ethically made using animal cells to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly fashion materials. The company aims to help the luxury fashion industry meet the increasing demand for “environmentally and animal-conscious alternative leather products.”

3DBT claims its lab-grown skin and leather samples demonstrate the potential for new materials to possess the same properties, composition, and uses as traditional farm-based leather. It is created as a 'tissue-engineered skin,' grown solely from cells with tanning expertise provided by the University of Northampton.

3DBT emphasized that its lab-grown leather is 100% animal tissue without harming any animals. It is 'rationally designed,' facilitating novel tanning methods to address environmental concerns associated with current tanning processes.

3DBT noted that lab-grown leather can overcome many limitations of farm-grown leather. Traditional leather is limited by the size, skin thickness, and life of the animal, leading to inconsistencies and imperfections. In contrast, lab-grown leather offers consistent composition and thickness, free of natural imperfections, and can be scaled to produce larger materials.