Industrial Cannabis sativa (Fiber or Hemp): Hemp made Leather

Chalannavar, Raju K and Malabadi, Ravindra B and MS, Divakar and B, Swathi and KV, Komalakshi and Kamble, Avinash A. and Karamchand, Kishore S. and Kolkar, Kiran P. and Coronado, Karen Viviana Castaño and Munhoz, Antonia Neidilê Ribeiro (2025) Industrial Cannabis sativa (Fiber or Hemp): Hemp made Leather. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 25 (2). pp. 2207-2218. ISSN 2581-9615

Industrial Cannabis sativa (hemp or fiber type) is mainly used to produce leather, paper, ropes, food, medicines, cosmetics, hempcrete, leather, bioplastic, biochar, 3D printing housing and textiles. This wide range of applications makes hemp a unique plant that can have positive impacts in many industries including leather production. Hemp-based leather substitutes are an emerging class of ethically and environmentally responsible natural fabrics that are increasingly exceeding consumer aesthetic and functional expectations as an alternative to bovine and synthetic leathers. While traditional leather and its alternatives are sourced from animals and synthetic polymers. Plant-driven, fungal-origin, bacterial-driven, bio-leathers are the current innovative research advances. These renewable and sustainable leather substitutes are gained from bacterial cellulose, mycelium, plant cellulose, and animal cells using tissue engineering and other eco-friendly techniques. However, tanning leather also adversely impacts the environment and human health. Chromium agents have the potential to be very toxic and detrimental to the environment, with the degree of harm dependent on their present condition. Chrome tanning harms the environment, and the final product frequently releases noxious chemical scents. An essential concern in the leather industry is the management of chromium waste, which arises when the treatment procedure results in the creation of sludge contaminated with chromium. Recently, there are more natural, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free alternatives have experienced a shift rise in popularity within the various industries especially leather production. Today, consumers increasingly demanding eco-friendly options, and seeking brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. With the growing demand in the market, these alternatives are becoming more accessible to consumers particularly hemp-based leather.