When life gave Chilgok County melons, they made a leather alternative
In South Korea, Chilgok County has created a plant-based leather alternative from discarded melon peels, with the aim of boosting farm incomes and local economy. Located in North Gyeongsang Province, Chilgok County began researching the material in 2024, after low-quality and unsold melons frequently ended up in the Nakdong River.
Researchers initially experimented with drying whole melons, but their high moisture and sugar content made it difficult to achieve sufficient strength and durability. They subsequently focused on the peels, while redirecting the melon flesh to livestock feed. After dozens of experiments, they developed a material combining dried, powdered melon peel with plant-based fabrics.
The resulting material initially contained 4% melon, rising to 10% this year. It has received certification from the Korea Vegan Certification Institute and has already been used to make bags, wallets, purses and other accessories in collaboration with South Korean fashion atelier Harlie K. The county now plans to increase the melon content to 22%, scale up production and explore applications including automotive interiors.
“This is an example demonstrating that even agricultural products with low marketability can become a new industry when combined with ideas and technology,” Chilgok County governor Kim Jaewook told Green Queen.
Category: Chemicals & Materials
