Sappi’s release paper is a high-fidelity, 3D, leather grain solution. Credit: jessicahyde via Shutterstock.

Packaging, pulp and paper products provider Sappi North America has collaborated with UK-based Biophilica on a plastic-free leather alternative called Treekind.

Treekind is 100% biobased, home-compostable, non-toxic and PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]-vegan certified. It now uses Sappi’s textured release paper to give the plastic-free leather material a more realistic look and feel.

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Sappi’s Ultracast Viva release paper is a high-fidelity, 3D, leather grain solution. Biophilica plans to use Sappi’s other finishes and textures, including glossy and matte, and varying grains for potential expansion in a premium line of goods.

Sappi North America director of release business strategy Mark Hittie explained: “Inclusion of plastic-containing coatings has dominated the vegan leather industry, limiting consumers [by offering] few fully sustainable choices and a material that often has a plastic-like touch, inferior to the quality or feel of traditional leather.”

Biophilica founder and CEO Mira Nameth added: “Curating the texture of Treekind to be as close to the feel of genuine leather as possible was a top priority for our team and brand, and what ultimately led us to seek Sappi’s textured release technology.”

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Sappi’s coated printing papers are also used for premium magazines, catalogues, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising.

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