By Metropolis Magazine | Winter 2024
This leather alternative from von Holzhausen is made mainly from bamboo, which, as one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, is considered rapidly renewable. But what makes Banbū truly noteworthy is that it biodegrades completely in landfills in less than 250 days.
The material consists of two parts—a backing that is fully made of bamboo yarn and a top coat that’s a mix of plant-based material and solvent-free polyurethane. It has a lambskinlike feel with a low shine and is scratch-, stain-, and water-resistant, but is lighter than cow leather and, von Holzhausen estimates, has a fifth of cow leather’s carbon emissions. Banbū comes in eight colors and is now available as an upholstery option for Herman Miller’s Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
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