In the search for sustainable alternatives to conventional leather and plastic-based textiles, shiringa bio-leather has emerged as an innovative material rooted in Amazonian tradition and Indigenous knowledge. Derived from the latex sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree (commonly referred to as shiringa), this material offers insight into how natural resources can be harnessed responsibly for modern production.
Shiringa bio-leather is a natural rubber-based material made from layers of latex sap harvested from wild shiringa trees. Unlike conventional natural rubber—which is often poured into molds—shiringa bio-leather uses woven fabric bases layered with latex sap. This method results in a leather-like texture and flexibility while remaining largely bio-based. According to Good On You, this gives the material a distinct appearance and feel, setting it apart from petroleum-based or fully synthetic alternatives.
The harvesting of shiringa sap is deeply tied to Indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon, particularly the Awajún people. According to Caxacori Studio, the sap is collected by making small incisions in the tree’s bark, allowing latex to flow into collection cups. Trees can yield thousands of liters over their lifetime without being harmed—thanks to careful, generational knowledge passed down among Indigenous stewards. “Mother Earth provides us the sun, the water, the shiringa trees and everything else here and a part of nature,” said Doris Pape Petsa, a member of Awajún community. “We live with higher powers: the mountains, the river and the forest. We are grateful for that.”
In contrast to the exploitative history of rubber collection in the Amazon, modern shiringa bio-leather production emphasizes ethical collaboration. Caxacori Studio, a Peru-based biomaterial company, pays Indigenous communities 50% more than the national rate for latex collection, operating under conservation agreements that protect both the forest and the economic rights of Indigenous harvesters. Trees are geolocated and monitored by Indigenous rangers to ensure sustainability and biodiversity preservation.
There are two main methods of producing shiringa bio-leather:
1. Traditional Artisanal Process: As seen in the field, artisans stretch native cotton onto frames and hand-paint it with latex sap, layer by layer. Natural dyes made from plants like annatto and huito are often added at this stage. While the result is a beautiful, bespoke material, it is time-intensive and difficult to scale for larger markets.
2. Engineered Production: In an effort to meet broader demand while maintaining ethical sourcing, Caxacori Studio has developed a lab-based method of processing the sap in Lima. This version involves no added chemicals but uses mechanical equipment to ensure consistency in thickness and color. The latex is often mixed with a curative—typically 25% water-based polyurethane—to enhance durability. A fully natural version of this curative is also available.
This shift allows for increased material strength and wider applications while still centering sustainability. As noted in Good On You, no rubber plantations are involved in the process—only wild trees in protected reserves are tapped.
While shiringa bio-leather presents a low-impact and ethical material option, its widespread use remains relatively niche. Factors like limited tree access, artisanal labor, and complex logistics in rainforest environments pose challenges to scalability. Moreover, not all versions of the material are entirely plastic-free—some include synthetic inputs to meet industrial durability standards.
Nevertheless, shiringa bio-leather represents a valuable case study in ethical material innovation. It reflects a broader movement toward regenerative design, where ecological balance and human equity are foundational principles—not afterthoughts.
