28 Oct Designing with Terratan: Colour, Texture, Thickness and Backing Options

Terratan™ is engineered as a platform rather than a single fixed material. Designers and product developers can tune four main variables (colour, texture, thickness and backing) to suit the product, the brand and the way it will be made. Here is how to use them.

Colour

Terratan is available in a range of standard colours, from classic tan, brown and black to beige and deeper tones. We can also develop custom colours to match your reference, whether a Pantone code or a physical swatch. Colour is built into the compound and finish, and our roll-to-roll process keeps it consistent along the roll and between batches.

Tip: approve colour under the same light source your end customers will use, and keep an approved master sample for future reorders.

Texture and finish

Surface texture comes from the release paper and embossing used in our transfer coating process. Options include smooth, fine-grain and pebbled leather-style surfaces, and finishes from matte to semi-gloss.

• Choose pebbled or textured grains for high-touch products such as bags and seating; they hide wear well.
• Choose smooth or fine grains for a refined, minimal look in accessories and small goods.

Thickness

Terratan is produced in thicknesses from 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm, with 1.2 mm as our standard material.

• 0.6–0.9 mm: garments, linings, wraps and light accessories
• 1.0–1.2 mm: handbags, footwear uppers, wallets and general upholstery
• 1.3–1.5 mm: structured bags, belts and heavy-use seating

Backing

The backing fabric controls strength, stretch and handling. Options include cotton-based backings for a natural feel in fashion, and polyester backings for strength, stability and moulding in automotive and upholstery. Tell us how the material will be cut, sewn, lasted or upholstered, and we will recommend the right construction.

How to brief us

1. The product and application (e.g. tote bag, sneaker upper, seat insert)
2. Target colour reference and finish
3. Preferred texture or grain
4. Required thickness range
5. Performance targets or standards you test to
6. Expected volumes and timeline

Custom colours and specifications are subject to minimum order quantities, which we confirm when we review your brief. For general guidance, read how to choose thickness, texture and backing for a leather alternative, then see how to access Terratan samples and technical evaluation.

Work with Terratan

Terratan™ is Bharat Biomaterials’ plant-based leather alternative, made from agricultural residue and produced in continuous rolls in India. Explore the material, read about our sustainability approach, or contact our team to request the technical data sheet and samples.