The Problem: Making Plastic-Free Vegan Leather Feel and Look Authentic
Inclusion of plastic-containing coatings has dominated the vegan leather industry, limiting consumers with few fully sustainable choices and a material that often has a plastic-like touch inferior to the quality or feel of traditional leather. Treekind’s goal is to create a product that is available in mass to general consumers, is authentic in both look and feel, and curbs the environmental impact of other non-sustainable solutions.
During its development, Treekind was faced with the following issues: color fastness, a common issue for fabric and textiles; flex performance; difficulties with lamination and bonding; and nailing down the correct shade of specific colors, such as whites and blues. After years of tactical R&D and overcoming the challenges that accompany making a plastic-free alternative, Treekind was faced with solving the last piece of the puzzle – texture and authenticity.
For Treekind, creating a product that would resonate with brands and clients was highly dependent on creating an authentic, non-plastic-like feel. Touch dictates how we perceive the world around us and is one of the most important aspects in creating a first impression of a brand. It has the power to shift the brain into a deeper level of engagement, one more conducive to building lasting knowledge and connection. This is why getting the texture as close to the feel of genuine leather as possible was paramount for Treekind, and what ultimately led developers to Sappi’s textured release technology.
The Solution: Ultracast Viva Sets a New Standard on Texture
Partnering in 2022, Sappi stepped in as the world’s leading supplier of textured release papers to deliver a high-fidelity, 3D leather grain solution to Treekind’s texture and color processing challenges, through its Ultracast Viva release paper.
In addition to providing premium texture and performance, Ultracast Viva has allowed Treekind to achieve unmatched versatility to not only make sustainable goods accessible for mass production but also offer a plastic-free, high-end experience with a competitive edge.
The Results: Enhanced Viability for the Future
Through its partnership with Sappi, Treekind’s innovative leather alternative has received 85% uptick in positive feedback from brand partners such as ID Genève watches and international brands via Fashion for Good, among others, and prospects including sustainable luxury brands.
While Treekind currently uses Sappi’s leather grain textured release papers, Biophilica is also seeking to use Sappi’s other finishes and textures, including glossy and matt finishes, and varying grains, for a potential expansion in their premium line of goods that will also embrace the ethos of elevating sustainability with an authentic feel.
Takeaway
Nailing the sensory factor of touch and feel, especially for alternative goods, is just as important as its appearance and a key element in enabling consumers to connect with the product and brand. While appearance captures the attention of consumers, the touch and feel of a product as well as its performance to withstand natural wear and tear over time is what dictates its longevity and profitability on the market.
