Plant-based leather reuses plant waste, and reduces greenhouse gas and environmental impact. It protects water and does not contain toxic chemicals. It is cost-effective, durable, and non-exploitative. Compared to animal leather, the carbon footprint of plant-based leather is 40 times lower. The water consumption of plant-based leathers is at least 14 times lower than animal leather.

Apple Leather is a revolutionary material derived from apple waste. As fresh as 2019, this innovative approach transforms discarded apple waste into versatile plant-based leather suitable for various application areas, from accessories to car seats and notebook covers to shoes and boots. Due to Apple’s natural composition of cellulose fibers and innovative production process, the mechanical strength of Apple Leather matches that of conventional synthetic fabrics (1).

Apple Pomace (waste from the production of apples to make juice, jams, etc.) is an agricultural food waste that would be thermally destroyed or dumped into landfills. This waste can not be utilized to feed animals, as it carries the risk of developing fungus (2). Therefore, if not repurposed, apple waste poses a challenge to waste management (1). Keeping the apple waste from decomposing also prevents methane gas production during the decomposition process.

Apple leather not only upcycles the apple waste but also significantly contributes to sustainable production. Comparing the carbon footprint of polyurethane (PU), whose negative impact on the environment is less than half of cow leather, to the recovered apple waste reveals a notable difference. While polyurethane bears a carbon footprint of 5.28 Kg CO2 eq/Kg PU, recovered waste demonstrates an impact of zero carbon footprint. Consequently, each kilogram of apple residuals replacing polyurethane saves 5.28 kilograms of CO2 emissions (1). Although not 100% biodegradable, apple leather can be up to 50% plant-based, which is one of its key environmental benefits. Apple Leather is hypoallergenic, breathable, UV-resistant, water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting when cared properly. Needless to say, it is vegan and cruelty-free.

The waste from apples (apple pomace) is transformed into a fine powder. This fine powder is then mixed with water-based PU as a binding agent. This mixture is then spread over the lining, which can be made of cotton, polyester, or a mixture of the two. Lastly, rollers give texture to the material. Most Apple Leather is made in Northern Italy, which has a large apple industry.

Sources:

(1) https://mabelindustries.com/index.php/sustainability, (2) https://www.watsonwolfe.com/2022/06/01/all-you-need-to-know-about-apple-leather

Olive Leather is an innovative material from the olive pulp produced during olive oil manufacturing. Our olive leather manufacturer is from Türkiye and uses entirely local waste. Both the raw material and the production processes are patented, ensuring a unique and proprietary creation. Unlike materials like PLA derived from resources with nutritional value, olive leather steers clear of such resources, enhancing the value of its bio-based composition.

Thorough testing by globally renowned independent firms such as Intertek and SGS indicates that the olive leather process meets and exceeds expectations in over 35 physical and chemical quality assessments (2).

This material is 100% bio-based, 100% bio-degradable, and up to 70% plant-based (3). One of its standout qualities is its remarkable reduction in carbon emissions, at least six times less than the manufacturing process of petroleum-based products (2). Certified by USDA as 63% bio-based and DIN as 91% bio-based, olive leather also holds certifications from PETA and the European Vegetarian Union (V-label), confirming its 100% vegan nature (2).

The entire process, from raw material production to the final product, occurs within a compact 100 km radius (approximately 62 miles). This localized production significantly minimizes the carbon footprint, underscoring our manufacturer’s commitment to environmental responsibility (1). Remarkably, olive leather production aligns with 11 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), directly contributing to over 65% of these goals and primarily targeting the 9th, 12th, and 13th UNSDGs (2).

Sources:

(1) https://oleatex.com/responsibility, (2) https://oleatex.com/faq, (3) https://oleatex.com/blogdetail/from-waste-to-fashion-the-future-of-leather

Tea waste accounts for 10% of tea production, and almost none is recycled (1). Tea Leather upcycles tea waste into a natural, sustainable, bio-degradable, and vegan with a gold award for innovation from V-Label A.  

Our manufacturer resources tea waste entirely from Türkiye, the 4th largest tea producer in the world (5). Türkiye’s north-eastern region accounts for 220,000 tons of tea, making the resources for tea leather almost limitless. Our manufacturer repurposes Class 4 waste from the tea industry in Türkiye. With its high caffeine content, this waste cannot be utilized for animal feed, the food industry, or bio-energy generation, marking the end of its life cycle (4). 

Another distinguishing feature of tea leather lies in its antibacterial properties, together with a base fabric selection from either natural or recycled fibers/yarn (2). With a bio-based content ranging from 40% to 95%, tea leather currently has one of the highest bio content among alternatives (1).

The production process of Tea Leather stands out for its commitment to environmental preservation. No pesticides or harmful chemicals are involved, ensuring an eco-friendly manufacturing process. Additionally, owing to its unique geographical location in Türkiye, the growth of tea requires no artificial watering throughout its cultivation period, contributing to its sustainability credentials (5).

Our manufacturer of tea leather supports all 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations (3), illustrating its significant contributions to broader sustainability initiatives. Notably, the environmental impact of the material is remarkable, reducing carbon equivalent emissions from 43.3 kilograms (associated with cow leather) to a mere 2.1 kilograms through the use of Tea Leather, accounting for a difference of up to 95% in emissions (3).

The commitment to sustainability doesn't end with production; the entire process is powered by green energy coupled with carbon-neutral logistics. Furthermore, a commendable initiative involves the planting of a tree for every meter of Tea Leather sold, contributing to the restoration of nature and further environmental enrichment (3). 

Sources:

(1) https://stir-tea-coffee.com/tea-coffee-news/turkish-company-transforms-tea-refuse-into-vegan-leather/, (2) https://wastea.com/features/, (3) https://wastea.com/sustainability/ , (4) https://wastea.com/why-wastea/, (5) https://vegconomist.com/fashion-design-and-beauty/leather-alternatives/wastea-tea-industry-waste-vegan-leather/ 

Cupro is a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to conventional silk, also called vegan silk. This eco-friendly material promotes biodegradability and substantially reduces the water footprint and chemical waste compared to conventional silk production methods.

Traditionally, the silk industry heavily relies on silkworms, requiring approximately 6,000 to yield merely one kilogram of silk (1). Furthermore, the production process contributes to greenhouse gas emissions by using manure and fertilizers to grow mulberry leaves and coal to power often old-fashioned facilities (2).

Cupro is produced with the waste from cotton production, with a by-product called linter (3). It is vegan and cruelty-free. By repurposing an otherwise useless part of the cotton plant, the production of cupro lowers the environmental impact of cotton production (3). Our producer of cupro uses a closed-loop system where the chemicals - copper and ammonia - are recovered and reused, and any material waste is used to generate energy (4).

One of the most important qualities of Cupro is its ability to degrade in nature. Cupro is 100% biodegradable, with an impressive speed, losing half of its weight in only two months in soil (4). 

Moreover, cupro offers a range of desirable qualities. It is hypoallergenic, allowing for sensitive skin comfort, while its breathable and soft nature, coupled with remarkable durability, makes it a preferred choice for various applications. Its fluid texture further enhances its appeal, providing a luxurious feel without compromising sustainability. It is also washing-washable and requires much less detergent and water for cleaning (4).

Sources:

(1) https://www.animal-ethics.org/silk/, (2) https://goodonyou.eco/is-silk-sustainable/, (3) https://goodonyou.eco/what-is-cupro-fabric/, (4) https://ipeker.com/assets/images/products.pdf

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 30% of food is lost or wasted annually*. As part of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, there's a commitment to halve global food waste and minimize losses in production and supply chains by 2030. It's crucial to recognize that wasted food not only signifies inefficiency but also presents a significant social justice issue.

Moreover, global food waste carries substantial environmental consequences. It is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and the squandering of natural resources. The staggering impact of food waste on the environment equates to an estimated 9.3 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions in 2017 alone, equivalent to the combined emissions of the US and the EU for that year. Food waste contributes to approximately 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions per year.

Conversely, plant-based leathers offer dual benefits. By repurposing industrial waste from sectors like olive, tea, and apple industries that have no food value or application in any industry, a sustainable loop is closed, reducing waste and its environmental impact. From a fashion and textile perspective, plant-based leathers maximize the utilization of renewable resources, thereby reducing carbon footprints and fostering a more environmentally friendly approach in the fashion industry.

By acknowledging the detrimental impact of food waste and embracing plant-based alternatives like leathers derived from waste materials, there's an opportunity to address environmental challenges, diminish carbon footprints, and create a more sustainable future for both the food and fashion industries.

*Source