Uncaged Innovations of White Plains, and formerly of New York’s Capital Region, is a biotechnology company that is developing a sustainable alternative to leather. Allison Freedman, the company’s Director of Operations, describes the company’s product as vegan because it is not derived from animals or use animal products.
The traditional production of leather raises environmental concerns. Tanning, the chemical treatment of animal hides, may use toxic substances. Waste is produced from finishing skins and hides, and traditional leather production requires significantly more water than synthetic alternatives. To power their operations, tanneries also produce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).