Beauty & Fashion

Compostable bioleather offers sustainable solutions for the clothing industry and beyond

The cattle industry is the single leading driver of deforestation, and the tanning of leather creates a great deal of chemical pollution. These challenges have motivated a search for more sustainable textiles, especially leather alternatives.

Published

2 years ago

December 2, 2022

ZestMag.com Staff

Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, clothing production has been on an unsustainable path. Like most manufacturing, textiles are produced in a linear fashion with a cradle-to-grave model. Fabrics like cotton are farmed, worn, used, then thrown away. The textile industry as a whole is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, with leather being especially harmful.

A team with a track record of successful collaboration may hold an answer. Biomedical Engineering researchers at Columbia Engineering recently announced they have created a compostable bioleather with superior flame-retardance and low environmental impact. Their microbial nanocellulose (MC) bioleather has a 1,000-times lower carcinogenic impact than cow leather and a significantly smaller carbon footprint than synthetic leather or cotton. Their study was published in Environmental Science: Advances.

The team, led by Theanne Schiros and Helen Lu, together with Ph.D. candidate Romare Antrobus, has been working together for several years in Columbia’s Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) to develop materials for a broad range of applications from biomedicine to energy, electronics, and textiles laid the foundation for inventing this versatile new material.

“Our bioleather represents a breakthrough not only for textiles but shows other industries how to explore a sustainable manufacturing process to engineer regenerative materials,” said Lu, professor of biomedical engineering and Senior Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs and Advancement at Columbia Engineering.

To make high-performance biotextiles, the team harnessed microbial biosynthesis of nanocellulose, drawing inspiration from pre-industrial and indigenous science. Schiros hypothesized that a main component of mammalian brain used for millennia to tan hides into leather–lecithin phosphatidylcholine– would stabilize the interaction of cellulose with both water and lipids in a tanning emulsion, and modify the material properties of MC through its hydrophilic groups to make it suitable for use as a bioleather. When the researchers used traditional brain and smoke tanning processes, they noted an increase in tensile strength and ductility of MC, which encouraged this line of investigation. Their discovery led to the development of an eco-friendly, plant-based lecithin “tanning” process for nanocellulose that created a strong, compostable bioleather.

This new process will not only transform future textile development but also cultural heritage research. While civilizations around the world have been creating sustainable and durable textiles since antiquity, most of these ancient techniques have been lost.

“Our team is now collaborating with scientists at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to develop a conservation studies database for artifacts in their cultural heritage collections and to understand the mechanism behind historic brain and organ tanning,” said Schiros, associate professor of materials science at the Fashion Institute of Technology and adjunct associate research scientist in Columbia’s MRSEC.

Coming full circle to modern-day design, the researchers created a pair of naturally dyed, microbial bioleather sneakers in a collaboration with Public School NY. The sneakers are part of an exhibition, Towards a Circular Society: Learning from Nature, currently on view at the University of Bern’s Wyss Academy for Nature. They will also be on view in a separate exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

This new study builds off the researchers’ successful rethinking of manufacturing through the lens of biomaterials and the circular economy, including two startups spun out of their labs, Algiknit, which makes kelp-based biofibers, and Werewool, which has created a platform for high-performance regenerative textile fibers with DNA-programmed color and function, such as stretch or waterproofing, provided by engineered proteins.

With their accomplishments in harnessing the power of microbes and developing paleo-inspired green processing techniques, Lu and Schiros expect biofabrication to play a critical role in facilitating a transition to a more sustainable economy. MC offers a modular engineering platform for high-performance regenerative materials with various applications, from tissue engineering to batteries, electronics, biosensors, and pollution remediation, which the researchers are continuing to explore.

Schiros believes the broad applicability of their research may only be a matter of time. She added, “The biofabrication approach developed here can incentivize and accelerate a paradigm shift to a circular materials economy, critical to global climate goals and sustainable development.”

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Beauty & Fashion

Posh Skin Co. launches new pimple patch designs

Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

Posh Skin Co. levels up its skincare game as it steps into a new era with a clean new look. With this fresh transformation, Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

Trendy, Effective, and Fun Pimple Patch Designs

Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand also brings in a new lineup of pimple patch designs, crafted to meet different skincare needs while offering a fresh and fashionable take on blemish care. The new designs include yellow star patches, multicolored star patches, metallic foil patches, for a fun, and comfortable acne treatment experience that lasts all day. The ultra-thin daytime patches provide a discreet and seamless coverage for all-day wear, while the nighttime rescue patches are designed to accelerate blemish healing while you sleep.

The pimple patches now come in new packaging with a sleeker, more minimalist look, following Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand.

“We took on a cleaner and simpler packaging approach to let the pimple patch designs speak for themselves,” said renowned fashion stylist and Posh Skin Co. partner, Charmaine Palermo. “We wanted to highlight what truly matters—effective skincare that empowers people.”

Formulated with the same powerful ingredients, these new pimple patch designs offer users improved coverage, comfort, and effectiveness, and make acne care more wearable and confidence-boosting than ever.

A Fresh, New Chapter

Posh Skin Co.’s new look aligns with the brand’s vision of expansion in the Philippines. Not only is Posh Skin Co. adding new designs to its pimple patch offerings but will also be providing new, versatile acne solutions that fit effortlessly into any lifestyle.

“Acne care should be as dynamic as people’s lives because breakouts can happen at any time,” remarked Palermo. “We wanted to offer more options to treat and prevent breakouts effectively, so we are expanding our line with acne solutions that can easily integrate into any skincare routine.”

With inclusivity and accessibility still at the brand’s core, Posh Skin Co. ensures that the skin treatment they offer will still be a stress-free and empowering experience for all users. As it broadens its pimple patch offerings and develops new skin treatment solutions, Posh Skin Co. continues to deliver innovative skincare to Filipinos.

Say “Bye” to Blemishes, and “Hello” to Confidence with Posh Skin Co.® Pimple Patches

Look good and feel confident while treating your blemishes with Posh Skin Co. pimple patches, available for PHP199 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the official Posh Skin Co. website and select Watsons stores nationwide.

Beauty & Fashion

PUMA drops 3 colorways of Palermo

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

When it comes to footwear, some styles stand the test of time. PUMA’s iconic terrace shoe, the Palermo, is one such classic that has captured the hearts of both sports fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. Originally birthed from PUMA’s deep roots in football, the Palermo continues to evolve and offer an exquisite balance of sports-inspired design and modern fashion aesthetics.

This month, the PUMA Palermo gets an upgrade with three new eye-catching hues that will undoubtedly let anyone make a bold statement wherever they go. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your fit or seeking the perfect casual pair for everyday style, there is a PUMA Palermo shade to match your vibe.

Which PUMA Palermo Colorway Fits Your Style?

Retaining its premium, classic charm with a luxurious suede base and a leather formstrip complete with foil printed PUMA branding, the PUMA Palermo gives sneaker buffs and fashion fans alike plenty of options to express their personal style with its fresh new colorways.

The PUMA Palermo in Team Light Blue

For those who prefer cool, understated tones, the Team Light Blue colorway is a prime choice. A sleek, understated classic, this is a fabulous match for those who lean towards timeless fits, this cool blue hue pairs effortlessly with vintage denim, crisp white tees, and a chill, confident attitude.

(Photo from PUMA PH)

The PUMA Palermo in Rose Mauve/Dark Crimson

Meanwhile, the Rose Mauve/Dark Crimson colorway is fitting for those who want to stand out. The deep crimson adds eye-catching detail into the shoe’s classic silhouette, making it the ultimate option for those looking to make a statement while still embracing the heritage of the Palermo. This shade goes well with tonal layering or as a pop of color against a monochromatic ensemble.

(Photo from PUMA PH)

The PUMA Palermo in Pink/White

The Pink/White colorway adds a playful twist to the terrace staple, perfect for trendsetters who love a fun, sporty vibe. With a punchy pink base complemented by crisp white accents, this colorway effortlessly bridges the gap between athletic wear and high fashion. It’s youthful, vibrant, and undeniably stylish. Paired with either relaxed joggers or tailored streetwear fit, this colorway keeps things light, modern, and adds a little extra flair to your wardrobe.

Must-Have Addition to Any Sneaker Collection

The PUMA Palermo’s new shades prove that some things never go out of style — they just get better with time. Step out boldly with the PUMA Palermo in Team Light Blue, Rose Mauve/Dark Crimson, or Pink/White, now available for PHP 6,000 in PUMA stores at Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta, Bonifacio High Street, Shangri-La Plaza, Eastwood, Venice Grand Canal, Capitol Central Bacolod, and Ayala Center Cebu.

Follow PUMA Philippines’ Instagram account to know the latest news and updates.

For more information, please visit www.puma.com.

Beauty & Fashion

PUMA opens two new stores in PH

PUMA is bringing its collection of sportswear closer to more Filipinos with a back-to-back opening of two new stores in the Philippines. With new stores at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig and at Caltex Mega Station in Pampanga, the renowned sports brand continues to offer high-quality and innovative gear for all sportswear, and even streetwear, needs.

Published

6 months ago

November 6, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Get All Your Footwear Needs at New PUMA Store in Bonifacio High Street

(Photo from PUMA PH)

Last October 29, PUMA opened the doors to its new store located at Bonifacio High Street. The store will exclusively feature iconic shoes from PUMA, including limited pairs of the PUMA Speedcat OG in the black and white colorway, the PUMA All Pro Nitro, and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3, the shoe worn by Filipino Pole Vault Olympian, EJ Obiena while training at the Paris Olympics. Marking the store’s opening, customers will receive free PUMA merchandise for purchases worth at least PHP 8,000. Promo runs from November 1 to 7, available exclusively at the PUMA Bonifacio High Street store.

From shoes perfect for upgrading your streetwear to high-performance running and basketball shoes, PUMA’s new Bonifacio High Street store is the top spot for sneakerheads and sports enthusiasts who want to add a unique piece to their collections.

Buy One Get One at PUMA PH Biggest Outlet Store in Caltex Mega Station

(Photo from PUMA PH)

The following day on October 30, PUMA also unveiled its new outlet store at the Caltex Mega Station. Located at South Bound NLEX in San Fernando, Pampanga, the store features an expansive selection of PUMA goods.

(Photo from PUMA PH)

To celebrate the opening, the PUMA outlet store is kicking off with a special “Buy One, Get One” promo, giving customers more value for their purchases at the store. With all the top-quality, high-performing PUMA gear available, the new PUMA outlet store at Caltex Mega Station is set to become the prime destination for all your street and sportswear needs.

Drop By the New PUMA Stores Today

(Photos from PUMA PH)

As PUMA Philippines continues to expand its presence in the country, the sports brand persists in making its line of sporting gear and footwear easily available to Filipinos. Both stores offer unique shopping experiences and exclusive collections for fitness enthusiasts, sneakerheads, and trendsetters alike.

Cop a new pair of shoes today at the PUMA Bonifacio High Street Store, located at BGC, Taguig. Enjoy the exclusive Buy One Get One promo at the PUMA Caltex Mega Station store, located at South Bound NLEX, San Fernando, Pampanga. See the latest updates and releases exclusively on PUMA PH’s Instagram page.