Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei has decided to invest in USA-based startup NFW, a producer of non-petroleum-based leather alternative for car interiors. As part of Asahi Kasei's growth strategy and in close cooperation with Sage Automotive Interiors (Sage), a provider of innovative and functional materials for the automotive interior, the partnership enables support for global OEMs in reducing the environmental burden of automobiles. Based in Peoria, Illinois, NFW was founded in 2015 and has developed the only platform capable of producing precision-engineered natural (non-petroleum-based) leather, foam and textiles, to replace animal and petrochemical-based materials. Certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as having 100% biobased content– the company's patented leather alternative Mirum is made from natural rubber, natural fibers, plant oils, natural pigments and minerals.