South Korea Turns Surplus Melons Into Vegan Leather for Wallets and Bags

Chilgok County in South Korea has successfully commercialized a vegan leather made from Korean melon by-products, preventing the wastage of fruit that would otherwise be discarded. The leather was developed by drying and powdering only the peel of the melon and blending it with plant-based fabric. This eco-friendly leather has been certified for consumer goods and is being used to create wallets, bags, and other accessories.

The county has collaborated with an eco-friendly fashion brand to produce prototypes, which have received vegan certification. The material composition of the leather includes 10% Korean melon content, with plans to increase this to 22% to meet international standards. The goods are being produced and sold locally, with plans to expand into industrial applications such as automotive interiors. Chilgok County is committed to further research and development of agricultural by-products to create new industries and increase farm income.