Antolin, a global provider of automotive interior technology solutions, has partnered with vegan textile startup PersiSKIN to launch persiSKIN Auto, a new faux leather made mostly from kaki waste.
Kaki, or the persimmon fruit, produces a lot of waste during harvesting and processing. The two companies found a way to take discarded peels and calyx and transform them into a sustainable, bio-based material that looks and feels like leather.
“Kaki production generates a lot of waste (around 50% of the harvest is not used), and this waste is converted into a material that has up to 80% biological content and can be customized in terms of feel, roughness, embossing, gloss and color, and can be marked, sewn or laser-engraved according to customer specifications,” PeriSKIN said in a news release.
“In 2025, when the latest functional validation tests required are completed, persiSKIN Auto will be ready for application in door panels, instrument panels, consoles and even seats.”
The companies say the new material will allow automakers to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional interior textiles made from synthetic leather or animal skin, while reducing the use of chemicals and water consumption.
Antolin is reportedly collaborating with several European automakers to include it in the interiors of their 2028 vehicles.
Of course, persiSKIN Auto isn’t the first automotive material to be made from fruits or vegetables. Others are made from apples, pineapples and even mushrooms.
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