Register now for the Material Innovation Conference, May 18-19, 2022 (Virtual). Explore the lineup!

Bucha Bio
Material Name:
Shorai™
Biomimicry:
Leather
Main Input:
Microbe-derived
Founded:
2019
HQ:
United States
TRL:
2
About the Company
BUCHA BIO is a future-oriented biomaterials company helping the fashion industry and beyond improve product sustainability through material innovation. The company's mission is to unlock unique creative design potential using biotechnology.
Material
BUCHA BIO's most advanced material, SHORAI™, is an entirely biobased product that can be used as a replacement for -- but not an imitation of -- leather. SHORAI™ is new, innovative, and sustainable, meant to inspire unique design in the fashion, automotive, and lifestyle industries. The company is currently developing SHORAI™ alongside its fashion and automotive partners in the luxury space.
Technology
BUCHA BIO uses fermented bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) as the base component in their materials. The company has previously produced the BNC in-house, but now they source it from partners who are able to make a more durable, luxurious product in larger quantities.
The BNC is combined with other biobased components to create a material that is not derived from petrochemicals or animals in any way and can be customizable.
BUCHA BIO works directly with brands to meet their technical and design specifications.
Applications
Fashion, footwear, accessories, automotive, and home goods.
Selected Brand Partnerships
Not disclosed.

J1 sneakers by Fre Customs made with Shorai™ by Bucha Bio.

Prototype pillow made with Shorai™. Photo: Alex Cahanap.
