In an industry often criticized for its environmental impact, Vrdionx Pvt. Ltd. emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering a sustainable alternative, plant-based leather to traditional and synthetic leathers. Founded by students Nimitt Jain, Aarav Goswami, and Om Ramshankar Upadhyay, under the mentorship of Dr. Varun Vyas, Associate Professor at Bennett University, Vrdionx is redefining luxury with its pioneering bio-composite leather.
By harnessing nanofiber technology, Vrdionx has developed a material that is not only biodegradable but also hydrophobic and durable, catering to both fashion and industrial applications. Their commitment aligns with global sustainability efforts, addressing seven of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including responsible consumption and climate action. In this interview, the founders share their journey, the inspiration behind Vrdionx, and their vision for a more sustainable future in the materials industry.
- Could you share the story behind the founding of Vrdionx and theinspiration that led you to develop eco-friendly materials using your innovative plant-based technology? How did all of you come together?
- Could you describe your manufacturing setup and the types of products you produce? Additionally, we would love to see some images of your manufactured products.
- What is the price range of your products, and how does it compare to traditionally produced leather or similar materials?
- Can you quantify the environmental benefits of your biodegradable materials compared to conventional alternatives? For example, in terms of carbon footprint or waste reduction.
- How do you ensure the sourcing of your plant-based raw materials is sustainable and doesn’t contribute to deforestation or other environmental issues?
- Which industries or sectors are showing the most interest in your eco- friendly materials? Are there any surprising applications you’ve discovered?
- What challenges do you face in convincing businesses or consumers to switch from traditional materials to your plant-based alternatives?
- How do you see the market for biodegradable materials evolving over the next 5-10 years?
- What is your long-term vision for Vrdionx, and how do you see your products shaping the future of the fashion and materials industry?
Could you share the story behind the founding of Vrdionx and the inspiration that led you to develop eco-friendly materials using your innovative plant-based technology? How did all of you come together?
Vrdionx: When we got a project for an ideathon, we set out to explore innovative ideas. Leather quickly caught our attention—it was durable, had a premium look, and was used across multiple industries, from fashion to automobiles. It seemed like the perfect material.
But as we dug deeper, the reality of leather production became impossible to ignore. What we once saw as a symbol of luxury was, at its core, the skin of animals, processed through a system built on cruelty. Behind every leather product was an industry driven by mass slaughter, deforestation, and harmful chemicals. At first, we looked to synthetic and vegan leather as possible solutions. But synthetic leather is made from plastic, and even most vegan leather alternatives rely on plastic-based materials, contributing to pollution. That’s when we realized—the industry didn’t just need an alternative; it needed a better one.
What we once saw as a symbol of luxury was, at its core, the skin of animals, processed through a system built on cruelty.
This realization changed how we saw everyday leather products—wallets, belts, bags. We weren’t just holding accessories; we were holding the skin of an animal that once lived, breathed, and felt pain. The more we thought about it, the clearer it became: luxury and quality shouldn’t come at such a heavy price. There had to be a better way.
That’s why we started Vrdionx—to create premium plant-based leather, offering the same quality and sophistication without harming animals or the planet. Innovation shouldn’t be built on suffering, and with Vrdionx, we’re proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
Determined to find a solution, we plunged into materials science, biotechnology, and consumer behavior. Our research led us to an exciting breakthrough—nanofiber technology—a revolutionary way to create 100% biodegradable, high-performance bio-leather. Unlike traditional leather, it wouldn’t harm animals, pollute rivers, or take centuries to decompose. It would be premium, cruelty-free, and sustainable—a perfect blend of ethics and elegance.
But innovation alone wasn’t enough. We knew that for sustainability to truly make an impact, it had to be desirable, scalable, and seamless. So, with our unshakable vision, we founded Vrdionx—a brand committed to making sustainability second nature.
Vrdionx isn’t just about materials; it’s about a mindset shift. It envisions a world where sustainability and luxury coexist effortlessly. Where businesses don’t have to choose between ethics and aesthetics. Where consumers can wear, drive, and experience premium products without leaving behind an ecological debt. With a mission to set a global benchmark for eco-friendly materials, Vrdionx is spearheading a revolution in fashion, automotive, and other industries. By 2030, it aspires to be the market leader in sustainable biomaterials, proving that a greener world isn’t just a dream—it’s a business reality.
What started as a student’s idea is now on track to reshape an entire industry. And in doing so, Vrdionx is sending a powerful message: The future of luxury isn’t about more—it’s about better.
Could you describe your manufacturing setup and the types of products you produce? Additionally, we would love to see some images of your manufactured products.
Vrdionx: Vrdionx follows a third-party manufacturing model, where we provide our proprietary bio-leather formulation, and our partners produce the material at scale. This ensures efficiency, sustainability, and strict quality control.
Manufacturing Process
Our bio-leather is developed using plant-based biopolymers, ensuring durability and eco-friendliness. Production is handled by specialized manufacturers using non-toxic curing, low-energy drying, and sustainable raw material sourcing. Every batch undergoes rigorous quality testing for water resistance, durability, and biodegradability before reaching the market.
Product Categories
For the B2B sector, we supply bio-leather sheets tailored for applications in furniture, automotive interiors, and the fashion industry. These sheets offer a sustainable alternative to traditional and synthetic leather, meeting industry demands for both durability and environmental responsibility.
In the B2C market, we are venturing into fashion accessories with a premium product line that includes handbags, purses, wallets, belts, and watch straps. These products combine sustainability with high-quality craftsmanship, providing eco-conscious consumers with stylish and durable alternatives to traditional leather goods.
What is the price range of your products, and how does it compare to traditionally produced leather or similar materials?
Vrdionx: Our bio-leather pricing is structured to be competitive while offering a sustainable, high-quality alternative to traditional leather. Talking about price range, B2B leather sheets cost between ₹800 to ₹2,000 per square meter, depending on grade, thickness, and application. While B2C fashion accessories cost between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, covering handbags, wallets, belts, and watch straps, based on design and craftsmanship.
Plant based leather sheets cost between ₹800 to ₹2,000 per square meter, depending on grade, thickness, and application. While fashion accessories cost between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, covering handbags, wallets, belts, and watch straps.
While traditional leather typically ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹3,500 per square meter, and synthetic leather (PU/PVC) starts at ₹300 per square meter but lacks durability and sustainability. Our bio-leather provides a premium, biodegradable, and cruelty-free alternative, balancing quality, performance, and environmental responsibility.
Can you quantify the environmental benefits of your biodegradable materials compared to conventional alternatives? For example, in terms of carbon footprint or waste reduction.
Vrdionx: Vrdionx creates plant-based alternatives which replicate genuine leather’s durability and visual appeal while also being sustainable and cruelty-free. Our biodegradable materials generate a significantly reduced amount of waste and contain fewer chemicals compared to conventional leather substitutes. Vrdionx’s bio-composite leather stands out because it decomposes organically as opposed to traditional leather which creates solid waste and toxic residues and PU/PVC synthetic leather which contributes to plastic pollution.
How do you ensure the sourcing of your plant-based raw materials is sustainable and doesn’t contribute to deforestation or other environmental issues?
Vrdionx: At Vrdionx, we ensure the sustainability of our plant-based raw materials by utilizing a naturally available parasitic medicinal plant, which already has a well-established market. This approach minimizes environmental concerns such as deforestation and habitat destruction. Key factors ensuring sustainable sourcing:
Naturally Available & Abundant
The plant we use is already harvested in large quantities for the pharmaceutical industry, meaning we are not introducing additional environmental strain.
Ethical & Reliable Supply Chain
We have a dedicated supplier who is also a farmer, ensuring consistent availability, high quality, and long-term sustainability of our raw materials.
No Deforestation or Overharvesting Risks
Since this plant is widely cultivated for medicinal purposes, its sourcing does not contribute to habitat destruction or biodiversity loss.
Continuous & Scalable Supply
Given its existing demand and large-scale trade, sourcing in tons is feasible without disrupting the ecosystem, making our production sustainable and scalable.
Which industries or sectors are showing the most interest in your eco- friendly materials? Are there any surprising applications you’ve discovered?
Vrdionx: There are many different sectors which are showing interest in vegan leather, from being used as a premium leather car seat cover, to giving an elegant look to footwear. In the furniture industry, biodegradable leather is being used for upholstery, chairs, couches and other accessories. Similarly in boutiques, handbags, belts and wallets are not being crafted with plant-based leather. The corporate world is becoming a big fan of vegan leather. Companies are gifting products made of vegan leather to their employees.
What challenges do you face in convincing businesses or consumers to switch from traditional materials to your plant-based alternatives?
Vrdionx: The hardest challenge to overcome when persuading customers as well as businesses to adopt plant-based leather involves changing their perception of value versus cost. Traditional leather carries associations of splendour, craftsmanship, and longevity which makes many people question the acceptance of a plant-based substitute that is just as luxurious.
One of our biggest challenges is to produce plant-based leather that can compete with the smooth texture, strength and longevity of traditional leather. Without any proof of longevity, businesses will be slow to adopt it for premium products. This makes field testing, functionality demos, and other customer proof necessary to gain acceptance.
How do you see the market for biodegradable materials evolving over the next 5-10 years?
Vrdionx: The rising demand for biodegradable materials will significantly increase over the next 5-10 years. Increased R&D could lead to a wider variety of plant-based and biodegradable options, improving their quality, durability, and aesthetics while at the same time lowering costs. This, along with growing consumer preference for eco- friendly products, positions biodegradable vegan leather as a strong competitor to traditional and synthetic leathers.
What is your long-term vision for Vrdionx, and how do you see your products shaping the future of the fashion and materials industry?
Vrdionx: We envision a future where sustainability and luxury coexist effortlessly, making ethical choices the new standard. Our goal is to set a global benchmark for eco-friendly materials by driving innovation in plant-based leather, reducing carbon footprints, and ensuring a zero-waste approach in fashion, automobile, and other industries.
By 2030, we aim to become a market leader in sustainable biomaterials, shaping a greener, more responsible future for general ones to come. We think Vrdionx will change the way people look at vegan leather. They will not see vegan leather as the “substitute for traditional leather,” plant-based leather will surplus traditional leather in everything, be it texture or durability.
By 2030, we aim to become a market leader in sustainable biomaterials, shaping a greener, more responsible future for general ones to come.
Beyond fashion, the materials sector is reaching a tipping point. With increased focus on ethical sourcing and environmental effect, companies will view bio-innovation as a requirement rather than a speciality. Vrdionx is well-positioned to lead this transformation, developing the next generation of materials that combine science, creativity, and status.
