Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Centre of Excellence (CoE), FDDI Kolkata has been actively collaborating with ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (ICAR-NINFET), Kolkata. The collaboration focuses on the design and development of diversified products using biodegradable vegan leather developed by ICAR, with an emphasis on promoting sustainable alternatives to conventional materials.
As part of this ongoing engagement, Ms. Basumitra Ghosh Mukherjee, Head – CoE, FDDI Kolkata, was invited to deliver an expert lecture at the National Training-cum-Workshop on “Natural Fibre Based Vegan Leather and Low-Cost Biodegradable Flexible Composite”, held from 9–13 March 2026. The workshop brought together researchers, academicians, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs working in sustainable materials and natural fibre technologies.
Delivering her lecture on 12 March 2026, titled “Design and Development of Diversified Products Using Vegan Leather”, Ms. Mukherjee presented FDDI’s work on design exploration and product development using biodegradable materials developed through ICAR’s research initiatives. The session highlighted how innovative design approaches can translate eco-friendly materials into practical, market-oriented products.
The presentation showcased a range of prototype concepts across product categories such as lifestyle accessories, stationery, footwear components, and handcrafted goods, demonstrating the versatility of the material. It also highlighted the collaborative efforts within FDDI, including key contributions from CoE Rohtak and CoE Jodhpur.
The lecture generated significant interest among participants, particularly in sustainable design strategies, material adaptability, and product innovation. It also served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange between material scientists and designers, further strengthening the collaboration between ICAR and FDDI in advancing sustainable product design.
