CU TIP Ph.D. Student Wins Silver at Geneva Fair for “Synthetic Leather from Coffee Grounds” 

Amid growing concerns over waste and climate change, Pinrat Pinweha, a Ph.D. student in Chulalongkorn University’s Technopreneurship and Innovation Management Program (CU TIP), has pioneered an innovative solution by creating “synthetic leather from coffee grounds.” By combining discarded coffee waste with Thai natural rubber, her eco-friendly innovation offers a sustainable alternative to traditional animal- and plastic-based leathers, significantly reducing carbon emissions. The project, which recently earned a silver medal and a special award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2024, exemplifies how Thailand’s local resources and creativity can contribute to a circular and low-carbon economy for a greener future. 

Pinrat Pinweha, a Ph.D. student in the CU TIP program (Chulalongkorn University’s Technopreneurship and Innovation Management Program), Graduate School of Chulalongkorn University, has turned a personal passion for coffee into a business opportunity by developing “synthetic leather from coffee grounds.” This innovation earned a silver medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in Switzerland, along with a special award from a university in Saudi Arabia. 

From Coffee Waste to Sustainable Material 

For Pinrat, the idea for synthetic leather made from coffee grounds came from her being an avid coffee drinker. Observing the large amount of coffee waste generated daily with no sustainable disposal method, she realized that even though coffee grounds are sometimes used as fertilizer or exfoliating agents, these uses do not truly add value. Her innovation combines coffee grounds with Thai natural rubber to create a composite rubber material with properties similar to genuine leather. 

Combining Coffee Grounds with Thai Natural Rubber 

She explained that natural rubber was chosen because it is a major economic crop in Thailand. By combining it with coffee grounds, they created a material that resembles real leather but is half the price of animal leather. The production process is not complicated — the collected coffee grounds are mixed with rubber composite following a specific formula. The entire process is quick and produces ready-to-use synthetic leather sheets. Currently, the team can produce sheets sized 1 x 1 meter, with adjustable thickness, surface texture, and patterns as desired. 

Pinrat emphasized the eco-friendly aspect of innovation. Although animal leather is a byproduct of meat consumption, its tanning process involves a high amount of chemicals. When considering the full carbon footprint — from raising livestock, land use for animal feed, antibiotic use, to the leather tanning process — animal leather results in a very high carbon footprint. 

A Greener Alternative to PU and PVC Leathers 

In contrast, most synthetic leathers on the market, such as PU (polyurethane) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), are fossil-fuel-based polymers. Over time, they degrade poorly, taking hundreds of years to decompose, and release microplastics harmful to the environment. The coffee-ground-based synthetic leather has been found to have a significantly lower carbon footprint and shows potential for natural biodegradation when buried. It is currently undergoing biodegradability testing, to confirm its ability to naturally break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass through microbial activity —without leaving behind toxins or harmful microplastics. 

“The material feels soft like real leather. As for the smell, it depends on individual perception —some people notice the scent of coffee, while others smell rubber. “We’re currently researching ways to enhance the coffee scent to make it more distinct and characteristic,” Pinrat explained. 

Regarding durability, prototype samples have remained in good condition for over three years since the start of research, demonstrating durability comparable to traditional leather. 

From Coffee Waste to Circular Economy Products 

Today, coffee-ground synthetic leather has been used to create various products such as bags, belts, keychains, and premium souvenirs for hotels and cafes. A sheet measuring 1 square meter is about half the price of real leather, which typically costs around 2,000 baht per square meter. Interestingly, some hotels have expressed interest in providing their used coffee grounds to produce custom souvenirs — like coasters — for their guests, creating a fully circular economy. 

Production currently operates on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) model, utilizing community-based factories that already have rubber processing equipment to produce the leather material. 

Winning the silver medal at the Geneva Invention Fair validates the global recognition of this innovation. The booth received considerable interest from the judging committee. In addition to the silver medal, the project also received a special award from a Saudi Arabian university, recognizing the innovation’s outstanding low carbon footprint. 

Future Plans for Sustainable Growth 

Looking ahead, Pinrat shared plans to scale the business through community partnerships by collecting coffee waste locally to produce products for community sale and use. She also aims to sell the know-how to other communities, empowering them to recycle their coffee waste. Since the production process is simple and doesn’t require high-tech tools — and many communities are already involved in rubber processing —it’s a model that could be immediately implemented. 

This innovation was made possible through the CU TIP program, which focuses on transforming research into real businesses. The program combines knowledge in business, technology, innovation, patents, and intellectual property to ensure students can practically apply what they’ve learned. 

“Synthetic leather from coffee grounds not only addresses the issue of waste and reduces carbon footprint, it also adds value to discarded materials, enhances the worth of Thai natural rubber and offers an eco-conscious alternative for consumers. At a time when the world is faced with environmental crises, developing new sustainable materials is crucial. We truly can turn waste into valuable resources and build sustainable businesses while protecting our planet. Do you drink a cup of coffee every day? The leftover grounds are no longer just waste —they’re now a raw material for quality products that reduce environmental impact and help build a sustainable future for Thai society and the world,” Pinrat concluded. 

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