Terms like bio-based and biodegradable appear everywhere in conversations about materials, sustainability, and product development. They are often presented side by side, used in similar contexts, and sometimes even treated as interchangeable. In reality, they describe entirely different characteristics of a material.
This distinction has become particularly relevant as brands explore new approaches to leather and bio-based leather materials, seeking solutions that align with performance requirements, sourcing goals, and environmental considerations.
Bio-based refers to where a material comes from. Biodegradable refers to what may happen to that material at the end of its life. While both can contribute to a broader sustainability strategy, they answer different questions and should be evaluated independently.
Understanding this difference is becoming increasingly important as brands, designers, and manufacturers look beyond surface-level claims and seek a clearer picture of how materials are sourced, produced, and ultimately managed. Whether evaluating bio-based leather, biodegradable leather, or other next-generation materials, knowing what these terms actually mean can help support more informed material decisions.
What are bio based materials
A bio-based material derives some or all of its content from renewable sources rather than fossil-based resources. The term focuses on the origin of the raw materials used to create the final product.
These sources can include grains, plants, agricultural feedstocks, and other naturally derived inputs. Depending on the formulation, the percentage of bio-based content can vary significantly from one material to another. ELEVATE is made from over 95% bio-based raw materials, including renewable inputs derived from grains.
As interest in bio-based materials continues to grow, independent verification plays an important role in improving transparency and consistency across the industry. One of the most widely recognized programs is the USDA BioPreferred Program, which evaluates products using standardized methods for measuring bio-based content.
ELEVATE is certified under the USDA BioPreferred Program, providing brands and designers with an additional point of reference when assessing material composition and sourcing.
What does biodegradable mean
Biodegradable refers to a material’s ability to break down over time through the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Rather than describing where a material comes from, the term relates to how it behaves at the end of its useful life.
Biodegradation is influenced by multiple factors, including the material’s formulation and the environment in which it is placed. Temperature, moisture, oxygen availability, and microbial activity can all affect how quickly degradation occurs and to what extent.
This distinction is particularly relevant in the leather industry. Although animal leather originates from a natural source, the tanning process uses chemicals that can significantly alter its ability to decompose. According to industry data, buried leather can take 50 years or more to break down, while heavily treated leather may not fully decompose at all.
For this reason, biodegradability cannot be determined solely by looking at a material’s origin. It is an end-of-life characteristic that must be evaluated through testing.
At Uncaged, biodegradability is assessed through independent third-party testing under controlled conditions. One ELEVATE formulation achieved 70% degradation in six months, reflecting our belief that material innovation should consider both performance during use and behavior at end of life.
Can a material be bio based without being biodegradable
A material’s bio-based content does not automatically determine how it will behave at the end of its life.
Many bio-based materials are developed with specific performance requirements in mind, including durability, flexibility, stability, and resistance to wear. The formulation choices made to achieve these characteristics can influence biodegradability, making it important to evaluate each attribute independently.
This is particularly relevant when assessing bio-based leather and other advanced material technologies. Looking only at bio-based content provides an incomplete picture of how a material will perform throughout its lifecycle.
At Uncaged, we believe material innovation should not require choosing between performance and environmental considerations. ELEVATE is designed to deliver the durability, stability, and long-term performance expected from premium materials while also demonstrating biodegradability under testing conditions. This approach reflects a broader view of material development, where sourcing, performance, and end-of-life behavior are considered together rather than as competing priorities.
The next generation of materials is already here
At Uncaged, we believe the next generation of materials is defined by the ability to deliver on multiple fronts at once: performance, durability, responsible sourcing, and end-of-life considerations.
Our approach to material development starts with that complexity. Rather than optimizing for a single claim, we focus on creating materials that meet the demands of real-world applications while advancing the industry toward more thoughtful material solutions.
That philosophy continues to guide the development of ELEVATE and the future of material innovation at Uncaged.