Corn Husk Leather as an Innovative Alternative to Plastic Based PVC and PU Leather in Fashion

The fashion industry's increasing reliance on plastic-based synthetic leathers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU) has caused serious environmental problems, including microplastic pollution, high carbon emissions and poor biodegradability. In response to these challenges, plant-based materials and waste are gaining increasing attention as susta1inable alternatives. Among these, cornhusk leather, which is obtained from corn agricultural waste, is expected to be an environmentally friendly fashion material. This study examines the potential of corn leather as an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based artificial leather by investigating its material properties, manufacturing process, environmental impact, and suitability for fashion products. This study focuses on the extraction and processing of corn husk fibres with optimized alkaline and bleaching treatments to improve cellulose content and fibre strength. The processed fibres are characterized by a high cellulose content of up to 76%, which contributes to good mechanical properties such as tensile strength and flexibility. These fibres are combined with a bio-based binder and a fibrous support to form a leather-like composite material. The obtained corn husk leather exhibits promising functional properties such as flexibility, breathability, and durability, making it suitable for use in shoes, accessories, and other fashion products. When compared to traditional PU and PVC based imitation leathers, corn husk leather has a substantially lower carbon footprint and resource usage, according to a comparative environmental study. The product aids waste valorisation and adheres to circular economy principles by using agricultural trash. Early acceptance of corn husk leather is indicated by case studies from up-and-coming fashion firms, especially in the vegan and sustainable fashion sectors. Although the results show that corn husk leather is a novel and ecologically friendly material, a number of obstacles still prevent it from being widely used. Long-term durability, consistency in coating formulations, and large-scale production are issues that require more research and technological development. Improving performance and guaranteeing commercial viability will require addressing these issues through ongoing research and material development. All things considered, maize husk leather exhibits great promise as a sustainable substitute for faux leather made of plastic and can significantly contribute to the fashion industry's circular and environmentally responsible practices.