CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai – A constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has granted license to seven (07) industries/enterprises for commercial use of vegetarian/vegan leather-like materials developed from mango peels, rice-wheat residue etc. The products prepared so far by the licensee industries/enterprises are as follows:

• Lifestyle products, including wallets, handbags, accessories, and allied consumer goods
• Sheet materials for use in Lifestyle products and footwear applications.

 

CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai has conducted characterization studies on the leather-like materials produced from wheat and rice straw and mango pulp. The studies covered:

• Cost aspects, such as capital and production cost, particularly at pilot and industrial-scale production environments. The studies indicate that the production cost of the developed materials is approximately 50% lower than that of conventional leather; and
• Physical and mechanical characteristics, including strength, flexibility, and suitability for different lifestyle product applications. The durability & performance of vegan materials are nearly comparable to leather. However, leather possesses superior strength and durability properties. The developed leather-like materials are easily biodegradable compared to synthetic and conventional leathers.

The institute is committed to advancing high-end product development through a duel focus on application-oriented testing and ongoing rigorous regulatory compliance. This strategic approach provides the necessary framework for realizing sophisticated, market-ready products.

 

This Information was submitted by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh in Loksabha on 4th February 2026.

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NKR/JP 

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