India’s Northeast to Pioneer Vegan Leather Manufacturing with CSIR & NECTAR Pact

In a groundbreaking initiative toward sustainable innovation and circular economy, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) and the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) have signed an MoU to set up vegan leather manufacturing units in Meghalaya and other northeastern states. The initiative focuses on transforming agro-waste into plant-based leather, empowering local farmers, MSMEs, and women-led self-help groups while reducing environmental pollution from waste burning.

Why in News?

On June 23, 2025, CSIR-NIIST and NECTAR formalized an agreement to launch common facility centers for manufacturing vegan leather using CSIR-developed technology. The announcement marks a critical step in addressing Northeast India’s agro-waste problem while fostering green entrepreneurship, in alignment with key national missions like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

Aim & Objectives

• To promote sustainable technologies using agricultural residues like banana peel, pineapple fiber, and rice straw.
• To empower women, MSMEs, and farmers through income-generating activities based on eco-friendly production.
• To establish common facility centers in Northeast India for producing plant-based leather.
• To reduce chemical use by 50–70% compared to synthetic leather and curb pollution from agro-waste.

Key Partnerships

• CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram: Developer of plant-based vegan leather technology.
• NECTAR, under the Department of Science & Technology: Implementer in Northeast states.

MoU signed by

• Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST
• Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, Director, NECTAR
• In the presence of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR

Circular Economy Focus

• Agro-waste, if unmanaged, leads to soil degradation, air pollution, and biodiversity loss.
• Converting biomass into eco-friendly leather alternatives boosts sustainability and cuts down the leather industry’s carbon footprint.

Broader Significance

• Supports Swachh Bharat, Innovate in India, and women-led development goals.
• Aims to build a green economy in remote regions.
• Encourages eco-conscious manufacturing and climate resilience.

Related Development

• CSIR-NIIST also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent with GIZ (Germany) under the Indo-German Energy Programme.
• The partnership will lead to the creation of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).
• Target: 309 GW clean energy potential through solar-integrated infrastructure like walls, roofs, and windows.