Polybion

Polybion is a Mexican biomaterials company that grows Celium, a proprietary bacterial-cellulose leather alternative, by feeding bacteria with agro-industrial fruit waste such as mango scraps. Founded in Irapuato, Guanajuato in 2015, the company operates what it describes as the world's first industrial-scale, solar-powered bacterial cellulose biomanufacturing facility. Celium is stabilized through a tanning-like process rather than grown to mimic leather directly, and the company positions it as a new material category for fashion, sportswear, and automotive applications. Polybion has collaborated commercially with brands including GANNI, whose Celium-based pieces debuted at Paris Fashion Week, and with design studios such as Natural Urbano and Secrid.

Company Facts

• Headquarters: Irapuato, Mexico
• Founded: 2015
• Employees: 28
• Type: startup
• Website: https://www.polybion.bio
• Industries: Biomaterials, Biofabrication, Materials Science, Sustainable Textiles, Biotechnology, Circular Economy