The plant-based leather developed through this study is an innovative, eco-friendly material made from banana peel waste, pineapple leaf fibers, glycerin, and alginate. These ingredients were carefully selected for their natural, renewable, and biodegradable properties, aligning with the principles of sustainability and the circular economy. The banana peel acts as the main matrix, providing flexibility and a soft texture, while the pineapple leaf fibers serve as reinforcing agents that enhance the material’s mechanical strength. Glycerin functions as a natural plasticizer to improve elasticity, and alginate—a polysaccharide derived from seaweed—is used as a biopolymer binder to increase cohesion and durability.

As part of the initial investigation, different concentrations of pineapple fibers were incorporated into the banana peel-based matrix to study their effect on the final mechanical properties of the material. The tensile strength of the best-performing formulation reached 140.66 ± 14.91 N/cm², demonstrating sufficient resistance to stretching and mechanical stress. In addition, the stitching ability was tested using a basic straight stitch machine. Results showed that the material could be successfully stitched without significant damage, indicating its potential applicability in fashion and accessories production.

This plant-based leather not only provides a sustainable alternative to animal and synthetic leather but also contributes to reducing agricultural waste and promoting responsible consumption and production, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12. Although the preliminary findings are promising, further research is needed to enhance the material’s mechanical strength, durability, water resistance, and scalability for industrial manufacturing.