Vietnamese Startup Transforms Shrimp Shells into Bio-Based “Leather,” Piloted by BMW and Mercedes

Inspired by the idea of recycling shrimp and crab shells, mushrooms, and coffee grounds, TomTex has developed a high-performance, flexible, plastic-free, and fully biodegradable bio-based “leather.”

From High-Fashion to Luxury Automotive Interiors

Initially recognized through sustainable fashion collections, particularly during Peter Do’s showcase at New York Fashion Week, TomTex’s material quickly expanded its applications across various industries.

By 2025, a significant milestone was achieved when BMW and Mercedes-Benz, two leading global luxury car brands, began testing TomTex for automotive interiors.

This marks a pivotal shift, transitioning the material from eco-friendly fashion to a potential replacement for traditional leather and synthetic alternatives in car cabins, where durability, tactile quality, abrasion resistance, and safety standards are exceptionally high.

Automotive representatives highlight TomTex’s suitability due to its absence of harmful chemicals, energy-efficient production, compliance with interior surface standards, and customizable colors and patterns for premium design requirements. Its selection for testing in the highly demanding luxury automotive sector underscores the material’s exceptional quality.

Key Advantages: Durable, Flexible, Plastic-Free, and Biodegradable

TomTex leverages biotechnology to transform waste into a new material. This innovative material boasts high durability, excellent elasticity, and a production process that requires no high temperatures or toxic chemicals. Notably, it is fully biodegradable at the end of its lifecycle, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions compared to traditional leather or PU leather.

Vietnam Poised to Become a TomTex Production Hub

Uyên Trần, TomTex’s founder, was born in Da Nang and holds a master’s degree from Parsons, one of the world’s top design schools. In various interviews, she has expressed interest in potentially relocating TomTex’s production to Vietnam.

“Vietnam is a leading shrimp exporter, yet millions of tons of shrimp shells are discarded annually. By recycling these locally, we can reduce waste and create new opportunities for a circular economy,” Uyên shared.

If realized, Vietnam could emerge as a pioneering production center for bio-based materials, serving both the global fashion and automotive industries.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)