Sustainable Leather Alternatives
Yes, leather has been around for many years. There is no denying that it is considered the most durable and essential material for winter fashion. But that doesn't mean that it needs to be made of animals. Times are changing, and there's a whole array of innovative and sustainable leather alternatives ready to revolutionize the way we think about winter fashion. Let's dive into these cutting-edge materials that are shaking up the traditional leather scene.
When it comes to leather alternatives, the go-to choice for many brands is PU (polyurethane) leather. But most of us are not exactly aware of how harmful this material is to the environment. Plus, it's essential to keep in mind that choosing synthetic leather isn't always the most eco-friendly option, mainly because it involves some hazardous chemicals during its production.
Pineapple Leather (Piñatex)
Piñatex, is a sustainable, up-and-coming leather fabric made from pineapple leaf fibers. It is manufactured by Ananas Anam, a B-Corp natural textile company, that repurposes the remaining waste of pineapple leaves of the existing pineapple harvest. Which makes Piñatex a by-product of pineapple harvesting. An example for the use of this new material is that in 2022, Zara, a global leader in fast fashion, has begun using Piñatex in recent collections, primarily on shoes, sandals, and accessories for men, women, and kids. Apart from Zara, Piñatex has been used by many fashion brands including Nike in the reproduction of some of its classic styles like the Air Force 1 and Free Run Trail which emphasizes the durability of this innovative material. Piñatex is an abrasion-resistant, flexible textile with exceptional durability. It's also manufactured with a little pebble grain pattern that's reminiscent of high-quality leather for an added touch.
Mushroom Leather
Mushroom leather, also known as Fungi leather, is a recent and sustainable material that is currently in use by many popular fashion brands. Big names like Hermès, Balenciaga, and Stella McCartney are jumping on the bandwagon. Most of these mushroom leather types are made in eco-friendly ways. Take Mylo, for instance. It's a creative leather alternative made from mushroom roots (mycelium) in a special farm that runs on 100% renewable energy. But here's the deal, even though it's super sustainable and organic, they add a bit of lyocell and water-based polyurethane (PU) to make it stronger and more durable. This is done so that the season-long wear of your favourite pair of eco-friendly winter boots is ensured.
Cactus Leather
Another up and coming leather alternative is Cactus Leather. This material is completely bio-based, plus, an enticing factor is its breathability. Which is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about leather and leather products. A company called Desserto ™ produces this material from prickly pear cactus, which is found in Mexico among other parts of the world. The production process is also sustainable and doesn’t require excessive water usage as well as no hazardous chemicals. Uses for this one-of-a-kind material include purses, footwear, clothing, and even furniture. For example, highly popular fashion brand Karl Lagerfeld has used Desserto ’s ™ cactus leather in an eco-conscious accessories collection in 2021. Nowadays, even carmakers are getting in on the action; in January 2022, Mercedes-Benz used cactus and other leather alternatives in the inside of a concept electric car.
Apple Skin Leather
The last example of a sustainable leather alternative is apple skin leather. This material is made from the discarded skin and cores of apples. Some companies like Oliver Co ™ manufacture this material using 50% apple waste mixed with 50% polyurethane (PU), coated onto a canvas to strengthen the material and elevate its potential. This is an advantage since it means you can quickly customize the look of the garment by applying a variety of coatings, effects, and backings to the fabric. This means that it can be used to make a variety of products, from small handbags and accessories to full garments.
Cork Leather
Cork leather is harvested from cork oak trees, and the best part is that these trees love giving us their bark because they just grow it back, making it a renewable resource. It's like nature's own fashionable recycling program! Cork leather is light, durable, and water-resistant, making it perfect for handbags, wallets, and accessories. It's utilised by designers like Jimmy Choo, Calvin Klein, and Chloé, to name a few, and is quickly becoming an industry standard for eco-friendly designs. Since cork leather is a naturally regenerating and recyclable resource, its popularity as a trendy new material shows no signs of fading.
So, there you have it – the world of fashion is in for a sustainable makeover, and it's all thanks to the likes of mushroom leather, cactus leather, cork leather, and apple skin leather. These cool, eco-friendly alternatives are taking the leather world by storm. By choosing these sustainable leather alternatives, we can make a significant impact on the planet while still enjoying stylish and durable products.
We, as shoppers, need to get behind these refreshing new alternatives and nudge the fashion industry toward greener choices. That's how we'll help fashion go the eco-friendly route and make tomorrow's style scene even more ethical and earth friendly.