US-manufactured Mirum is a plastic-free plant-based leather suited to applications ranging from fashion and accessories to automotive.
Mirum, a 100-percent plastic-free vegetable-based leather launched two years ago by Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), is gaining ground.
Made from natural, plant-based nutriments–such as agricultural waste–and neutral organic ingredients, Mirum is said to be unique in that unlike other so-called vegan leathers, it does not have a polyurethane or PVC backer. Instead, the material is molded onto a fabric backer, and for certain grades onto organic cotton. The design process does not require additional water inputs and generates no wastewater discharge, says its manufacturer.
Mirum comes in two collections and in a variety of colors: The Primary Collection is made from four distinct “plant personalities”: corn, rice, coconut, and cork waste. The Signature Collection comes in 12 colors and a choice of five textures based on a combination of waste products that give the material a more sophisticated texture and shine. Fabric backings include two grades of white cotton, and two grades of black.
Manufactured in NFW’s factory in Peoria, Illinois, Mirum was designed to respond to the most stringent standards of circularity and is said to be biodegradable while offering a performance on par with classic, animal-based leathers.
Brands including Stella McCartney, Allbirds, Pangia, and Reformation have already adopted the material for fashion accessories and leather goods, as well as for sneakers. Mirum is also used in the automotive industry.
