Jinali Mody Wins UN's Young Champions of the Earth for Banana Leather Innovation
Jinali Mody, CEO of Banofi Leather, has been honoured with the 2025 Young Champions of the Earth award by the UN Environment Program. The award recognises her innovative work in creating plant-based leather from banana crop waste, a sustainable alternative to animal leather.
Mody, a Yale-trained entrepreneur, was one of three winners announced during Climate Week in New York. Her company, Banofi Leather, transforms banana stems, typically discarded, into vegan leather. This process reduces water and carbon emissions compared to traditional animal leather production.
Banofi Leather, founded by Sonam Chopraa, has already made a significant impact. It has supported over 100 small-scale farmers in India by providing new income streams and livelihoods. The company has also won the prestigious Hult Prize and piloted with over 150 brands across various sectors.
Each Young Champions winner, including Mody, received a $20,000 prize and an opportunity to compete in the Planet A pitch competition for further funding. Banofi Leather's innovative approach to waste management and sustainable fashion continues to gain recognition and support.
