Working with MIRUM®: Designing With the Next Generation of Materials

At INTGR, material innovation is at the heart of everything we create—so choosing to work with MIRUM®, a truly plastic-free, plant-based leather alternative, was an intentional and exciting step. What followed was a journey in patience, experimentation, and craftsmanship.

MIRUM® is in high demand (for good reason), and as a newer material, it comes with its own unique learning curve. Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) keeps a small stock of materials available for testing and development, which was incredibly helpful early on. However, production orders are made to order, with lead times ranging from 1 to 6 months, depending on volume, finish, and availability. As a small brand, this required us to plan well in advance—but it was worth the wait.

The material currently arrives in panels (27" x 28"), rather than rolls, which can limit layout efficiency and make scaling tricky. That said, NFW is already working toward rolling formats, which will significantly expand design possibilities.

We experimented with several backings—TENCEL™, jersey, and GOTS-certified canvas. While jersey felt soft and flexible, its stretch (when paired with MIRUM®’s rubber content) proved challenging for precise construction. Canvas provided the best structure, and we opted for GOTS-certified canvas despite the higher price point to stay aligned with our sustainability goals.

When it came to design, we were incredibly impressed by the look and feel of MIRUM®—the texture is beautifully tactile, elevated, and durable. And the color palette was spot on, perfectly suited to INTGR’s minimalist aesthetic.

Working with MIRUM® also meant adapting our development process. Skiving the material (thinning edges for layering) posed some challenges, particularly with more intricate pieces like cardholders. And since heat-sealed logos weren’t compatible, we shifted to laser engraving—a clean, minimal solution that beautifully suits our branding.

Most importantly, the communication with the MIRUM® team was exceptional. Despite being a small, independent brand, we felt fully supported. The team was generous with their time, transparent about timelines, and genuinely invested in helping us bring our vision to life.

MIRUM® is a premium material, but one that reflects the true cost of sustainable, high-integrity innovation. We’re proud to be working with it—and to be contributing to a future where design and responsibility go hand in hand.