We aim to address the fact that global fish populations are being depleted faster than they can rebuild. Increasing the value of every fish harvested through creating products such as fish leather can empower commercial fishers to restrict the amount of fish they take. Fish skin is a byproduct of the fishing industry. This part of the fish is commonly dumped back in the ocean, turned into low valu
e fish meal or sent to landfill. Accounting for around 5% of total fish waste, once recovered, fish skins can be transformed into many high value products in industries such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical and textile. Transforming fish skins into leather is an effective way to utilise this part of the fish. Recycling skins minimises landfill and keeps resources in use for longer. Fish leather is not a new concept. Cultures from around the world have produced this highly versatile textile for thousands of years. Fish leather does not require the resources or leave the carbon footprint associated with raising cattle, which makes it a more eco-friendly leather alternative. Additionally, fish leather possesses strength nine times that of a regular cow leather of similar thickness due to its criss-cross fibre arrangement.
