Global Plant Based Leather Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030)

Market Definition

Plant-based leather is specially designed as an alternative to animal leather, whose raw materials are mushrooms, pineapples, bananas, and others. Plant-based leather is nature-safe and has multiple properties.

Market Insights & Analysis: Global Plant-Based Leather Market (2025-30):

The Global Plant-Based Leather Market size was valued at around USD79 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD125 million by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 8% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

The rise in strict regulations and animal welfare programs has led to a ban on products from various industries, which primarily include the leather industry. The raw products, such as the skin and hides of the leather industry are obtained from slaughtering animals such as cows, crocodiles, etc. This leads to the extinction of endangered species. In recent years, the innovation and advancements in industries such as textile, leather, and others have increased, leading to sustainable materials such as plant-based leather. Plant-based leather is supported by the government as it easily decomposes within 2 to 5 years, whereas conventional leather takes many years to decompose, releasing toxic waste into landfills. Thus, this has influenced the consumers to incline towards plant-based leather and its products.

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Moreover, plant-based leather is obtained from the waste produced by factories and agricultural farms. Such as pineapple leather, which is manufactured from the leaves of the pineapple, a waste produced on the farm. Along with the increase in fashion trends, footwear, accessories, and others have generated the opportunity for innovation and advancement in technology, further fueling the plant-based leather product market. Plant-based products are already trendsetters in the market. Thus, they are liked by a large number of consumers because of their distinctive properties such as antifungal, durability, etc., over animal-based leather products. Plant-based leather products' raw materials are biodegradable and cruelty-free, and the government aids in boosting the demand for plant-based leather products globally.

Global Plant-Based Leather Market Driver:

Growing Concerns Regarding Animal Slaughtering & Extinction – Globally, billions of animals, including cows, pigs, goats, alligators, snakes, crocodiles, elephants, and various others, are slaughtered for their skin and hide. Animals have to endure the entire torturous process of scouring, including confinement, branding, tail-docking, and others, until they are killed in brutal manners just for their skin and hide, which later on is converted into leather. As per Animal Australia for the kinder world in 2024, over 150,000 crocodiles are killed annually, resulting in the loss of animal life. Thus, raising the need to seek an alternative to produce leather.

Moreover, premium quality leather is obtained from exotic animals such as elephants, sharks, kangaroos, alligators, and several others. According to NPR, an American broadcasting organization, in January 2025, Australia’s largest species of kangaroos had been endangered by approximately 90%. As a solution, the leather manufacturers have initiated the production of leather from plant derivatives such as cactus, pineapple, and others. Additionally, the government and international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and others are supporting the production of plant-based leather and products. Hence, conserving the animal species on the edge of extinction, and boosting the production of plant-based markets, globally.

Global Plant-Based Leather Market Opportunity:

Increase in Environmental Awareness Workshops and Campaigns – The increase in the engagement of environmental awareness workshops and campaign drives has led to a rise in the consciousness of consumers towards the environment. Hence, promoting several manufacturers to manufacture products from plant-based leather. For instance,

• In 2024, Ananas Anam was featured in Cable News Network’s (CNN's) ‘Going Green’, highlighting their innovations in the supply chain of Pinatex.

 Additionally, the active involvement of the youth has spread awareness to successive generations. As a result, customers have inclined towards plant-based leather to conserve the environment as they are environmentally friendly, and produce less toxic waste than traditional leather. To meet these demands, regular research and development are being conducted all over the globe, which provides the potential for plant-based leather manufacturers to expand their business worldwide.

Global Plant-Based Leather Market Challenge:

Promotion of Deforestation & Expensive Process Hindering Market Growth – Plant-based leather is manufactured from plant derivatives, such as cactus leather, which is derived from the leaves of the Nopal Cactus, Banofi leather, which is manufactured from the stem of the banana plant, etc. This results in increasing the demand for agricultural produce, which eventually leads to cutting down trees for their stem, leaves, and others. For instance, 37 kgs of banana stems are required to produce 1kg of Banofi leather, resulting in the chopping down of numerous banana trees, which promotes deforestation in the region. Similarly, several other plant-based leather sources are chopped and uprooted, for the sake of producing plant-based leather and its products, hence eventually resulting in soil erosion.

Moreover, premium plant-based leather is comparatively more expensive than the standard leather made from the hide of animals. The method of manufacturing and the raw resources are expensive, hence raising the price of plant-based leather and its products. Additionally, the distinctive properties of plant-based leather, such as stain resistance, heat resistance, lightweight, and others, result in increasing the price of plant-based products, hence, it is not a budget-friendly alternative to traditional leather for all individuals worldwide.

Global Plant-Based Leather Market Trend:

Mycelium Leather Gaining Traction – In recent times, there has been a strong inclination towards sustainable, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free products. As a result, leather manufacturers are constantly innovating & improving their leather products. In recent years, they have been using leather made from a vegan alternative, mushroom. The distinctive properties of Oyster mushrooms, such as light-weight, breathable, and flexible, classify it as an ample choice to obtain leather. Along with this, the cases of infection in individuals wearing the shoes for a long duration or during heavy training exercises have increased, especially among athletes. As a solution, shoe manufacturers have wisely chosen an alternative such as mushroom-based leather because several studies have claimed that mushroom leather has distinctive antifungal and antibacterial properties. For instance, Adidas has launched mushroom-based leather shoes in their Stan Smith Mylo collection, setting up the trend and demand for mycelium leather and its products, globally.

Global Plant-Based Leather Market (2025-30): Segmentation Analysis

The Global Plant-Based Leather Market study of MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends & influencing factors in each segment. It includes predictions for the period 2025–2030 at the global level. Based on the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Product Type:

• Pineapple Leather
• Cactus Leather
• Mushroom Leather
• Apple Leather
• Other Product Types

Mushroom leather holds a prominent market share of approximately 48% based on the product type. Mushroom leather, being made from renewables, is durable, versatile, and sustainable, making it a preferable choice among people, globally. It is a by-product, as it is manufactured from the waste produced by the oyster mushroom industry. This makes it a cost-efficient and more economical solution for the end-users. Further, it is also made from mycelium, which is available in different colors and textures. This makes the whole dyeing treatment and leather formation more economical, making it an optimum choice for leather manufacturers.

As a result, several leading brands are gradually choosing & launching products, such as shoes, bags, etc., based on this type of leather. For instance, in 2022, Stella McCartney launched the first luxurious bag made using mushroom leather, recycled aluminum chain, and medallions. Similarly, other manufacturers are coming up with new ideas and technology, further fueling the demand for Mycelium leather, worldwide.

Based on Application:

• Fashion

• Clothing
• Accessories
• Footwear

• Other Applications

• Automotive interiors
• Home & other interior decor

Fashion leads the market by approximately 59% market share, which includes clothes, footwear, and accessories. This growth in fashion is observed due to multiple factors which include digitalization, economic stability, and various others. The increase in internet penetration has influenced the population, especially Gen-Z, towards fast fashion, thus requiring voluminous fashion goods.  This results in raising the demand for leather as it is one of the chief components in the fashion industry. Additionally, the consumer's motive to preserve the ecosystem increases the demand for environmentally friendly products. Thus, as an alternative, the manufacturers are using plant-based leather to manufacture the goods. Hence, the rise in demand for fashion fuels the market growth.

Moreover, the characteristics of plant-based leather such as durability, renewable raw resources, and low cost, confront these needs, henceforth, catering to a potential opportunity for the manufacturers to expand their business in any part of the globe.

Global Plant-Based Leather Market (2025-30): Regional Projections

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• The Middle East and Africa
• Asia-Pacific

Regionally, the market is growing in multiple regions, however, Europe has the highest consumption of leather, across the globe, holding a market share of more than 35%. This is due to the sharp skills and craftsmanship of the Europeans as they have a long tradition of tanning the skin and hides. The manpower of this region primarily focuses on quality, thus, they require high-quality hides to work on.  The goods produced from these hides are high-quality premium products. Hence, attracting global brands such as Hermes International, Chanel, Prada, etc., to the region.

Moreover, the advancements in material sciences have produced plant-based leather, on which skilled craftsmen work effortlessly. Additionally, the innovation in designs crafted by the Europeans has led them to set the global standards for leather accessories. Thus, celebrity endorsements, global luxurious brands, and skilled labor have raised the demand for European leather accessories globally. Hence, increasing global and domestic trade activities in the region of plant-based leather products and accessories.

Global Plant-Based Leather Industry Recent Development:

• 2024: Desserto launched phone cases made of Cactus Leather, which is a plant-based alternative they have innovated using Noptal cactus.
• 2024: Nupelle, partnered with Puma, and launched a new range of versatile pattern printing and perforation design on vegan leather.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our Global Plant-Based Leather Market Report

1. Global Plant-Based Leather Market by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
2. This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
3. Global Plant-Based Leather Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.

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