CSIR-CLRI Licenses Coffee Husk-Based Leather Technology to Bengaluru Firm

In a significant step towards promoting a circular economy and sustainable manufacturing, the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai, has signed a licensing agreement with Bengaluru-based M/s. Husk & Hide for the commercial transfer of its technology to produce leather-like material from coffee husk.

The agreement was signed on August 27, 2026, marking an important move towards converting agricultural waste into high-value and sustainable lifestyle materials.

India generates more than one lakh tonnes of coffee husk annually from its total coffee production of around 3.5 lakh metric tonnes. A large portion of this agricultural residue remains underutilized, creating an opportunity for innovative waste management and value-added manufacturing.

CSIR-CLRI has developed a “waste-to-wealth” process that converts coffee husk into leather like materials. The technology operates on a Zero Liquid and Zero Solid Waste Discharge model, supporting the principles of resource efficiency and sustainable production.

The partnership with M/s. Husk & Hide is expected to create new commercial opportunities for the utilization of agricultural waste, particularly as Karnataka remains India's leading coffee producing state. The technology transfer could help develop new applications and business opportunities around sustainable materials while reducing dependence on conventional raw materials.

As part of the agreement, CSIR-CLRI will provide training, technical documentation and implementation support to M/s. Husk & Hide to facilitate the successful commercial deployment of the technology.

The initiative reflects the growing focus of India's research and manufacturing ecosystem on developing environmentally responsible alternatives and converting industrial and agricultural waste into commercially valuable products.