CelluFilm: Bio-fabricated Leather-like Film of Bacteria Cellulose
Overview
Cellufilm is produced by fermenting bacterial cellulose extracted from fruit waste, preserving its natural structure. With simple processing, it becomes a flexible, leather-like product.
Research completion
2024
Commercialisation opportunities
technology licensing agreement
Problem addressed
The project tackles the environmental and chemical issues of conventional leather production. Genuine leather requires intensive chemical processing, which pollutes water and soil, while cattle rearing for hides significantly increases carbon emissions. This project offers a sustainable alternative that reduces reliance on harmful chemicals and livestock.
Innovation
- Transform bacteria cellulose from fruit waste into leather-like film
- Produce different shaped films by cultivation or growing-to-shape to reduce cut waste when making leather-like goods
- By making good use of the beverage waste, this project can develop a more eco-friendly material for making small leather-like goods such as wallet and name card holder.
Key impact
- The cultivation of bacterial cellulose is faster than plant growth and stock breeding.
- The production process generates virtually no wastewater and the water used can be recycled after simple treatment, addressing the pollution problems associated with traditional tanning methods.
Award
- 2025 R&D 100 Awards
Application
- Application in the production of small goods such as wallets and name card holders.
Patent
- 22024091059
- PCT/CN2024/091352
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)
Established in 2006, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government, and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
HKRITA has achieved research deliverables over the years around our research clusters targeting in sustainability, industry advancement and social benefits through our centre-owned research teams and laboratories as well as collaborations with industry partners and institutions.
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