Pioneering sustainable leather alternatives for a greener future; Bahuvida Limited is proud to announce the establishment of India's first of its kind Cactus-based Bioleather manufacturing unit in Hyderabad, with the aim to promote the integration between chemistry and agriculture through the development of new eco-sustainable products. We develop and manufacture plant-based alternatives to fully synthetic, oil-derived leather materials. By leveraging the use of renewable resources, as an alternative to fossil ones, our Bioleather production processes rely on Cactus and vegetal raw materials. It is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional animal-based leather, made using natural plant-based raw materials such as mainly Cactus, agricultural waste and other organic compounds. Unlike conventional leather, Bioleather production does not involve animal cruelty, toxic chemicals, or high carbon emissions. It mimics the texture, strength, and durability of real leather while being biodegradable, breathable, and environmentally safe.
As the world moves toward ethical fashion, sustainable industrial practices, and carbon neutrality, Bioleather has emerged as a vital innovation. It reduces animal exploitation, minimizes environmental pollution, conserves water and reduces CO₂ footprint, supports circular economy and waste-to-wealth models, and also aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals and global sustainability standards.
Bioleather offers a future-ready material for Fashion, Footwear, Automotive, Furniture, and Lifestyle industries that demand eco-conscious production without compromising on quality. Bahuvida Limited is proud to initiate its Bioleather Manufacturing Unit which is India's first large-scale Cactus-based Bioleather plant based at Hyderabad. This upcoming state-of-the-art facility converts Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) and selected agricultural biomass into high-performance leather alternatives. This plant can take 100 Metric Tonnes of raw biomass input per day with scalable modules and it is compliant with ISO 14001, GMP, and BIS Eco-manufacturing standards, it is backed by Bahuvida's in-house biotechnology lab and technical collaboration with material science experts.
The cultivated Cactus paddles and post-harvest agricultural residues are sourced from Bahuvida Limited’s own plantation estates, contract farming, and from Farmers who buy Cactus plant materials from us. The materials are cleaned, dried, and treated with non-toxic stabilizers for biomass processing and pulp extraction. In our unit, high-speed bio-pulping machines crush the organic material to extract cellulose-rich pulp and the pulp is filtered and homogenized using decellularization reactors. In the next stage of bio-polymer blending, proprietary bio-polymer resins and natural binders (based on starches, oils, and plant enzymes) are blended in blending units to create leather-forming slurry. Further, for sheet forming and drying we use continuous sheet casting machines, the slurry is poured into flat sheets. Then the sheets are air-dried and heat-treated under controlled humidity chambers to ensure strength and elasticity.
For the surface treatment and texturing, finished sheets are textured with natural or synthetic grain patterns using hot embossing rollers treated with eco-friendly coatings to enhance water resistance, softness, and longevity. In the quality testing and packaging stage, every batch undergoes stringent quality checks for tensile strength, biodegradability, colorfastness, and durability. Finally, the Bioleather is then rolled, packed, and labeled for domestic and export markets. This Bioleather can be used across a wide range of products such as Jackets, Belts, Wallets, Handbags, Casual Shoes, Soles, Insoles, Automotive Interiors, Upholstery, Cushions, Wall Panels, Watch Straps, Folders, and Journals etc.
It has great ecological impact and social responsibility; each tonne of Bioleather saves up to 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ compared to traditional animal-based leather. It requires 99% less water than tanning processes. It will empower rural farmers and tribal cultivators through Cactus farming and converts their agricultural waste into high-value material, reducing landfill burden.
At Bahuvida Limited, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the Bioleather industry in India and invites fashion brands, OEM’s, designers, export houses, and sustainability investors to collaborate with us in promoting Bioleather in global markets. With this forthcoming processing unit, we aim to produce world-class Bioleather, create employment opportunities in rural areas, and contribute to the country's economic growth. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and be a part of our journey towards making India self-sufficient in Bioleather production as we stood for our farmers.