Bharat Biomaterials Launches Terratan™ : India’s Next-Gen Sustainable Leather

25/11/25

In the fertile belts of rural India, where sugarcane, wheat, rice, and millet fields sway in the sun, a quiet technological shift is unfolding, one that could redefine the future of sustainable fashion. The global biomaterials industry, once a niche space dominated by experimental labs and boutique brands, has rapidly grown into one of the most watched frontiers of material science. And now, a young Indian company, Bharat Biomaterials, is stepping into this global arena with a breakthrough of its own: Terratan™, a next-generation leather alternative made entirely from agricultural waste.

Terratan™ is reimagining what leather could be in a world that can no longer afford the environmental cost of livestock agriculture or petroleum-based synthetics. Crafted from agro-industrial residues such as sugarcane bagasse, wheat husk, millet straw, rice straw, and even cactus, it transforms what is often burned or discarded into a premium, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and non-toxic material. Bharat Biomaterials uses a roll-to-roll manufacturing process a rarity in this space enabling Terratan™ to be produced at the scale, consistency, and cost efficiency needed to disrupt both traditional and synthetic leather markets.

A deliberate shift in material choice

For co-founder Sahaj Sarupria, the choice of raw materials was deliberate.

“Fruit-based leathers are seasonal, which limits supply consistency and storage,” he explains. “Agro-industrial wastes like sugarcane bagasse benefit from established supply chains and fiber extraction, making the technology more scalable, reliable, and cost-effective. These crops also help combat crop residue burning, a major environmental issue in India, while providing farmers with an additional source of income by turning agricultural waste into valuable raw material.”

His perspective reflects a uniquely Indian advantage an abundance of agricultural waste paired with nationwide efforts to reduce stubble burning, one of the country’s persistent environmental challenges.

The global biomaterials boom

Globally, the rise of biomaterials has been meteoric. The bio-based leather market is projected to scale from around USD 11.9 billion in 2025 to USD 35.2 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 11.42%. Over the last five years, innovations in mycelium leather, microbial fermentation, cactus and pineapple-based materials, nanocellulose textiles, and bio-polymers are reshaping conversations within the fashion, automotive, and furniture industries. Demand for alternatives to animal hides and petroleum-heavy synthetics has surged as consumers especially younger generations insist that sustainability and performance must go hand in hand. Companies like Pinatex, Bolt Threads, Modern Synthesis in the UK, and Desserto in Mexico have mainstreamed the idea that materials can be grown, not extracted or slaughtered for.

Co-founder Priyansh Kothari sees this landscape clearly. “The biomaterials industry is still in its early stages,” he says. “As technologies mature and local sourcing improves, costs will decline, enabling broader adoption. Developed economies are already leading adoption due to ESG mandates and sustainability regulations.” But he also emphasizes India’s potential to leapfrog: “India combines availability of raw materials, manufacturing infrastructure, and a growing innovation ecosystem, giving the country the potential to become a global leader in scalable, affordable, and sustainable biomaterials.”

Source & Credits: Market Research Future

The shift in consumer culture

Across Indian cities, consumers led by Gen Z and young millennials expect sustainability without compromise. Performance, durability, environmental impact, and ethics must all align.

Celebrities set cultural direction a star-driven fashion ecosystem is primed for similar momentum.

Sahaj believes this is where the next phase of adoption will be determined.
“Biomaterial leather brands need a strong narrative of purpose and performance,” he notes. “Consumers should clearly understand why to choose these materials over animal leather or synthetics. Sustainability alone isn’t enough products must also deliver durability and performance. Ease of availability and versatility across fashion, footwear, upholstery, and automotive sectors is crucial.”

The scalability challenge and the solution

For all the innovation happening globally, one challenge remains consistent: many biomaterials are still expensive. Exotic fruit-based leathers often attract attention for their novelty, but their cost keeps them confined to luxury brands or limited-edition collections. Priyansh addresses this candidly.
“Exotic fruit-based biomaterials may generate curiosity, but high prices limit adoption to a niche audience. True environmental impact requires scale and affordability.”

Terratan™ is designed precisely to meet this gap. Its cost structure, scalability, and manufacturing compatibility create a pathway for widespread adoption.

Ideal Consumers for Terratan™

“Our ideal partners include fashion labels, footwear manufacturers, upholstery producers, and automobile companies looking to replace traditional leather with eco-friendly alternatives,” says Sahaj.

“Environmentally conscious consumers who care about the planet are also part of our audience. For brands, it’s about reducing carbon footprint, aligning with ESG goals, and creating products that combine performance, aesthetics, and purpose.”

Terratan™ by Bharat Biomaterials turns agro-waste into a durable, stylish, and sustainable leather alternative. Its roll-to-roll manufacturing enables scalable production, while advanced processes make the material both customizable and high-performing.

With its affordability, biodegradability, and ethical sourcing, Terratan™ is emerging as a next-generation material for fashion, footwear, upholstery, and automotive applications.

The future is bio-engineered and it may be made in India

For Bharat Biomaterials, the launch of Terratan™ marks the beginning of a longer journey one in which India leverages its agricultural heritage, manufacturing strength, and engineering talent to contribute meaningfully to the global shift towards sustainable materials. If the coming decade is defined by a move away from animal-derived and petroleum-based materials, Terratan™ may well become one of the benchmarks by which this transformation is measured.

In a world seeking alternatives that do not compromise on performance or planet, Terratan™ stands as a promising example of innovation grounded in purpose. And if the momentum of the biomaterials sector continues on its current trajectory, Bharat Biomaterials’ vision of turning India’s agro-waste into globally competitive materials may be not just timely but transformative.

Contact Bharat Biomaterials for Collaborations and Pilot Orders

Email: info@bharatbiomaterials.com
Phone: +91 9928449222, +91 9672860821
Website: www.bharatbiomaterials.com
Address: 63 A, 1st Floor, Bhupalpura, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313001