# Cost-Effective Biodegradable Leather Natural Fiber Welding Uses Agricultural Waste to Make Mirum By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-05-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-leather References: [fastcompany](https://www.fastcompany.com/90350186/this-fully-biodegradable-leather-is-welded-together-from-waste?partner=feedburner&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feedburner+fastcompany&utm_content=feedburner) & [madewithmirum](https://madewithmirum.com/) Natural Fiber Welding introduces its concept of biodegradable leather as a counter to the downfalls of other plant-based alternatives. While searching for a cost-effective, cruelty-free material alternative, consumers and manufacturers seem to stop at the concept of plant-based. However, Natural Fiber Welding recognized that there are a few unsustainable implications to traditional manifestations of this material. For example, [plant-based leather](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casetify-bioveg-collection) is not always entirely environmentally friendly as it is "typically made from plastics like polyurethane," uses resin or glue, or employs materials that aren't readily available. To bridge this gap, the company is offering a fully [biodegradable leather alternative](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scoby) called 'Mirum.' The material is made through a melding process that brings together [agricultural waste particles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arda-biomaterials), boasting zero use of plastic and "100% natural inputs." Natural Fiber Welding is in the process of patenting its biodegradable leather technology. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Biodegradable Leather:** The emergence of biodegradable leather as an alternative to traditional leather presents an opportunity for sustainable and ethical fashion. - **Agricultural Waste Utilization:** The utilization of agricultural waste in the manufacturing of biodegradable leather has the potential to reduce waste and create new revenue streams for farmers. - **Patenting Sustainable Materials:** Patenting sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, such as biodegradable leather, incentivizes innovation and promotes the adoption of ethical manufacturing practices in various industries. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can take advantage of biodegradable leather as a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather. - **Agriculture:** Agriculture can benefit from partnering with companies like Natural Fiber Welding to repurpose agricultural waste and create new revenue streams. - **Material Science:** Material science companies can explore patenting sustainable and eco-friendly materials to incentivize innovation and promote environmental responsibility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [PETA-Approved Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-leather-alternative.md) - [Cruelty-Free Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crueltyfree-leather-alternative.md) - [Fruit-Based Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peelsphere.md) - [Plant-Based Car Leather](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leather-alternative-1.md) - [Bio-Leather Fungal Protectants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fungal-coating.md) - [Grown Microbial-Woven Fabrics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-fabric.md) - [Mycelium Leather Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myco-travel-pouch.md) - [Mushroom Leather Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-leather-seating.md) - [Sustainable Design Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoworks-reishi.md)