Indian innovator Manisha Jasani, co-founder of Surat-based start-up LeafyLeather, has developed a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to conventional leather by converting agricultural waste such as corn husks and banana stems into durable, biodegradable material.
The initiative addresses two pressing challenges – the environmental harm caused by animal leather and plastic-based synthetics, and the large-scale wastage of crop residue in India. Through this innovation, Jasani aims to promote a circular economy model where discarded farm by-products are transformed into valuable resources for the fashion industry.
Experts and sustainability advocates have praised the effort as an important step toward ethical consumerism and greener manufacturing. The venture is steadily gaining attention as a future-ready model that places purpose before profit while creating meaningful environmental impact.
Turning Agricultural Waste Into Opportunity
LeafyLeather was founded with a simple but powerful idea – to replace harmful materials in fashion with something kinder to the planet. The company uses discarded agricultural residue such as corn stalks, husks, and other plant fibres to create leather-like sheets that are flexible, sturdy, and biodegradable.
Unlike conventional leather, which involves animal cruelty and chemical-intensive tanning processes, or synthetic leather made from petroleum-based plastics, LeafyLeather’s material is entirely plant-based and environmentally safe.
Manisha Jasani, a fashion designer by training, partnered with chemist Ashish Ramani to develop the material after observing the enormous amount of crop waste generated across India. Much of this waste is either burned or dumped, contributing to air pollution and environmental degradation.
“We wanted to create something that not only reduces harm but also gives back to nature,” Jasani has said while explaining the vision behind the venture. According to the founders, the company’s goal is not just to sell a product but to build a sustainable ecosystem that benefits farmers, designers, and conscious consumers alike.
Sustainability experts have welcomed such innovations as vital for the future of the fashion industry. With global brands increasingly searching for ethical materials, plant-based alternatives like LeafyLeather offer a practical and scalable solution.
Though there have been no formal government statements specifically on this start-up, officials and environmental groups have repeatedly encouraged initiatives that promote waste management, green entrepreneurship, and responsible production practices.
Challenging the Dark Side of Fashion
The global fashion industry is one of the most polluting sectors in the world. Traditional leather production requires vast amounts of water, energy, and toxic chemicals, while also raising serious concerns about animal welfare. On the other hand, synthetic leather alternatives made from PVC and polyurethane are derived from fossil fuels and contribute to microplastic pollution. This leaves consumers with limited truly sustainable choices.
India, as an agrarian economy, produces millions of tonnes of agricultural residue every year. Instead of being reused, much of it is burned, particularly in northern states, leading to severe air pollution.
LeafyLeather directly addresses this problem by turning what was once considered waste into a valuable raw material. The company’s process involves extracting natural fibres from crop leftovers and converting them into sheets that can be stitched, coloured, and crafted like regular leather.
The start-up has already begun working with local artisans and small businesses to create eco-friendly bags, wallets, footwear, and accessories. By doing so, it is not only reducing environmental harm but also generating livelihood opportunities within communities. Industry observers believe such home-grown innovations can help India emerge as a global hub for sustainable materials if given adequate support and investment.
As the demand for vegan and ethical fashion grows worldwide, LeafyLeather is positioning itself as part of a larger movement that challenges outdated manufacturing models. The founders acknowledge that scaling up production and obtaining certifications remain challenges, but they remain committed to expanding responsibly. Their journey reflects the broader shift taking place in consumer behaviour, where more people are choosing products aligned with their values.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At its heart, the story of LeafyLeather is about reimagining what progress truly means. In a world driven by fast fashion and mindless consumption, Manisha Jasani’s initiative reminds us that innovation becomes meaningful only when it serves people and the planet. By choosing to prioritise sustainability over short-term profits, she has demonstrated that business success and environmental responsibility do not have to be opposites.
The Logical Indian believes that ventures like LeafyLeather deserve widespread encouragement because they show how creativity and conscience can work together to solve real-world problems. Transforming agricultural waste into eco-friendly products is not just an entrepreneurial achievement – it is a powerful statement against pollution, cruelty, and unsustainable practices. Such efforts also highlight the importance of supporting local innovators who are building solutions rooted in Indian realities.
