BUCHA BIO - SHORAI / HIKARI

Overview:
Bucha Bio is unlocking unique design potential through the creation of novel biomaterials. Made with bacterial nanocellulose and other plant-based and biobased ingredients, Bucha Bio's materials are more ethical and environmentally sustainable than conventional animal leather and plastic.

Ingredient information:
Bucha Bio uses bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) combined with plant-based and biobased additives to create their materials. BNC is a naturally-occurring polymer created by strains like Gluconacetobacter xylinus, one of the bacterial species known to give highly efficient results in cellulose manufacturing. The novel biomaterial is then blended with natural fibres to create a material that is not derived from petrochemicals or animals in any way.

Sustainability credentials:
Bucha Bio's process to create SHORAI™ and HIKARI™ consumes less water and releases significantly fewer greenhouse gasses than its animal-based counterpart. The plant-based treatment process also does not use toxic chemicals that are otherwise used in tanning and treating animal-based leather. Recyclability tests are ongoing, and more LCA data will be available on developed formulations in 2023.

Application and use:
SHORAI™ and HIKARI™ are sustainable alternatives to animal-based leather, polyurethane, latex, vinyl, and more. The textiles are resistant to water, sunlight, flames, and scratches — and can be used for fashion, footwear, accessories, automotive, and home goods. Both materials can be processed as nonwoven monomaterial sheets or as pellets modified for injection molding.

Further information: Read more here