Packaging, pulp and paper products provider Sappi North America has collaborated with UK-based Biophilica on a plastic-free leather alternative called Treekind.

Treekind is 100% biobased, home-compostable, non-toxic and PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]-vegan certified. It now uses Sappi’s textured release paper to give the plastic-free leather material a more realistic look and feel.

Sappi’s Ultracast Viva release paper is a high-fidelity, 3D, leather grain solution. Biophilica plans to use Sappi’s other finishes and textures, including glossy and matte, and varying grains for potential expansion in a premium line of goods.

Sappi North America director of release business strategy Mark Hittie explained: “Inclusion of plastic-containing coatings has dominated the vegan leather industry, limiting consumers [by offering] few fully sustainable choices and a material that often has a plastic-like touch, inferior to the quality or feel of traditional leather.”

Biophilica founder and CEO Mira Nameth added: “Curating the texture of Treekind to be as close to the feel of genuine leather as possible was a top priority for our team and brand, and what ultimately led us to seek Sappi’s textured release technology.”

Sappi’s coated printing papers are also used for premium magazines, catalogues, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising.

The company recently launched a new digital platform designed to assist brand owners and packaging design agencies in creating customised packaging prototypes.