Environmental issues, and in particular the pollution caused by waste disposal, are the starting point for many researchers engaged in the search for more eco-sustainable solutions. This is demonstrated by a South Tyrolean engineer, Alberto Volcan, who has dedicated his entire professional career to the development of new recycling techniques aimed at recovering plant waste. Many of his inventions (he holds no fewer than seven patents recognised worldwide) feature the apple as their central ingredient, which, as well as fuelling biogas plants, also lends itself well to other uses.

After discovering that the leftovers of this fruit can be used to completely purify contaminated water, Alberto Volcan deepened his research by creating, first, apple paper, and then a material capable of perfectly replacing leather and hide in the production of fashion items and furnishings. This is "Pellemela", obtained from 76 per cent apple flour derived from drying peel and cores reduced to powder, mixed with water and a natural adhesive, and finally compacted inside a traditional pasta-rolling machine.

Starting from this material, with the contribution of artist Carlo Busetti, who took care of the aesthetic and graphic aspects, the "Pellemela Shopper" was born: a natural, durable and completely biodegradable bag. The first prototype was presented at Expo 2015 at the Trentino stand of Dolomiti Fruits, a fruit juice company that embraced the innovative project and expressed its willingness to supply the apple leftovers needed for the production of further examples from the outset.

The use of this plant-based leather derived from recovered organic waste represents an excellent solution for reducing the polluting emissions produced by incinerators during the waste disposal process. Moreover, it also constitutes a valid alternative to real leather, addressing the ethical issues linked to the killing and mistreatment of animals.