NEW DELHI, July 10: Animal rights group PETA India on Wednesday said India’s position as a major global sugarcane producer offers significant opportunities for expanding the use of sugarcane-based vegan leather. The organisation highlighted that India’s vast sugarcane production could be leveraged to effectively utilise sugarcane waste through technology developed by PA Footwear P Ltd, a company specialising in vegan leather alternatives. India, the world’s second-largest sugar producer after Brazil, grows sugarcane in 55-60 million hectares area.
“India is one of the largest producers of sugarcane globally, so PA Footwear P Ltd’s technology presents a significant opportunity to utilise sugarcane waste effectively,” PETA India said in a statement. PA Footwear P Ltd, in partnership with the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, has developed Vegan Virya, a leather alternative made primarily from sugarcane. The material has received “PETA-Approved Vegan” certification from PETA India.
PA Footwear Vice Chair Chinnasami Anbumalar said, “Vegan Virya comprises over 95 per cent plant-based elements, prominently sugarcane bagasse, complemented by a 60 per cent agro waste content.” Several Indian companies are adopting more sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Virgio, a brand launched by former Myntra CEO Amar Nagaram, and Allen Solly of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd are among the companies joining the vegan tr.