NZ company turning kiwifruit waste into a leather alternative

Materially Kiwi, a New Zealand startup, is in talks with BMW, Volkswagen, and Rolls Royce to provide a plant-based leather alternative made from rejected kiwifruit. According to founder Shelley Houston, 80 national and international brands are now seeking to work with the company to utilize the sustainable biomaterial.

How is kiwifruit processed into leather?

The company uses kiwifruit rejected by the export industry because the fruit is too damaged or imperfect to sell. This waste is processed by breaking down the fruit’s naturally high polysaccharide and cellulose content into a workable biomaterial.

Dr. Angelique Greene of the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science in Rotorua, a partner in scaling the process, stated that the material can be tough and flexible when engineered correctly. Currently, one kilogram of kiwifruit yields one square metre of material.

Did You Know? Shelley Houston developed the material at home without a blueprint, destroying at least two blenders during 15 to 20 attempts to create a viable batch.

Why are automotive and fashion brands interested?

Growth in the alternative leather market is driven by sustainability pledges from global brands. Many large manufacturers have committed to reducing or eliminating animal-derived products, creating a gap for plant-based alternatives.

The use of kiwifruit by-products addresses a waste problem while utilizing a recognized premium export brand. The resulting material is suitable for car interiors, handbags, clothing, and conveyor belts.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Houston’s refusal to use synthetic polymers for water resistance is a high-stakes technical decision. While plastic is the industry standard for durability, a truly plastic-free biomaterial provides a significant competitive advantage for brands facing strict environmental scrutiny.

What technical challenges did the startup overcome?

Water resistance was the most significant hurdle because biomaterials are naturally hydrophilic. Dr. Greene explained that while the conventional industry solution is to incorporate plastic, Houston refused this approach.

Apple & Kiwi Fruit Leather

The research team developed multiple iterations of sustainable molecules and biomaterials to ensure durability without synthetic polymers. The final product now includes a fabric backing and can be embossed with snake-skin or crocodile prints in various colors.

What happens next for Materially Kiwi?

The company plans to establish a pilot factory in the Bay of Plenty, the center of New Zealand’s kiwifruit-growing region. This location would place production close to the raw material source.

Immediate priorities include scaling production and refining long-term durability. Houston stated the goal is to balance longevity with a non-toxic breakdown process. The company also previously rebranded from “Kiwi leather” after customers mistakenly believed the product involved the skin of the kiwi bird.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Materially Kiwi’s leather alternative made from?
It is made from kiwifruit rejected by the export industry due to imperfections or damage.

Which major companies are in discussions with the startup?
The company is currently in talks with BMW, Volkswagen, and Rolls Royce.

Is the material plastic-free?
Yes, the founder refused to use synthetic polymers or plastic, opting instead for sustainable molecules to achieve water resistance.

Would you choose a kiwifruit-based interior for your next vehicle?