We Turn Bananas into Leather (No, Seriously)

At That Sustainable Company, we believe sustainability is more than a trend, it's a responsibility to reimagine how we create and consume. Founded by Jinali Mody, who first pioneered Banofi Leather, our journey began in 2022 in Kolkata, India, with a bold idea: transform banana crop waste into sustainable leather. India, the world's largest banana producer, generates 120 million tons of agricultural waste yearly, with four tons of waste for every ton of fruit harvested. This waste, often burned or dumped, pollutes air and water. Jinali saw an opportunity to create a plant-based alternative, turning this overlooked resource into Banofi, a bio-based material that looks, feels, and performs like traditional leather without harming animals or the planet.

Why bananas? The answer lies in their abundance and potential. Banana pseudostems, the fleshy trunks left after harvest, are typically discarded. We upcycle them into next-gen materials, reducing pollution and supporting smallholder farmers by boosting their household income by 30%. With 60% of our team being women, we're also empowering communities through circular design. Banofi is more than sustainable leather, it's a story of innovation and impact, proving that eco-friendly fashion can be luxurious and guilt-free.

Repurposing agricultural waste is at the core of our mission. Our process cuts water use by 95%, reduces carbon emissions by 90%, and eliminates toxic chemicals like chromium, which plague traditional leather production. By blending 65% banana fiber with natural ingredients like rubber and gum arabic, we craft a durable, 90% bio-based material that’s changing the game. This approach aligns with global trends in agro-waste valorization, where byproducts like pineapple leaves or coffee husks are transformed into sustainable solutions. Our circular design not only minimizes waste but also creates economic opportunities, showing that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

Picture the process: banana plants are harvested for fruit, and their pseudostems, instead of rotting, are collected, dried, and milled into fine fibers. These fibers are blended with natural additives and coated onto recycled fabric backings, creating versatile banana leather sheets ready for all types of merchandise from cup holders to wallets. Certified by REACH (EU), CAL PROP (USA), and PeTA Vegan, our material is making waves in fashion and beyond, proving that plant-based alternatives can rival conventional materials in quality and style.

In a world where 40% of corporate merchandise, like branded pens or plastic trinkets, ends up in landfills, contributing to 2 trillion pounds of waste annually, we see an opportunity for change. That Sustainable Company offers eco-conscious brands a sustainable leather option for corporate gifting, from sleek notebooks to stylish bags that employees and clients will cherish. By choosing next-gen materials, companies can align with the 70% of consumers who prioritize sustainability, turning merchandise into a statement of values.

At That Sustainable Company, we're not just making banana leather, we're sparking a movement. Curious about how we transform crop waste into luxurious, sustainable leather? Visit thatsustainablecompany.com to learn more about our process and join us in crafting a greener future where fashion and responsibility coexist.