The wonderful thing about leather is that they are timeless. Leather articles and purses will last you for quite a long time. They have a premium look, and their longevity is something that manufacturers cannot replicate with consistency. However, leather is something that has many flaws. There are many negative impacts on the environment of leather, which is why many people are looking for leather substitutes.
Leather is one of the most widely used materials in making purses. Many people are busy looking for leather substitutes for purses to buy courses that look great but are also good for the environment and are cruelty-free and vegan.
In the article below, we have mentioned some leather substitutes for purses:
Paper
You may feel that paper is too weak to be an excellent alternative to leather. Material science has come very far, which is why the paper is now being developed with many reinforcements. Architects use paper for a lot of different statues and structures now. So, it only makes sense that manufacturers can use paper for handbags with suitable materials working together.
Many different high-end bags have been released, made out of paper that strongly resembles leather. Bottega Venetta is one such company. They made the bag with paper from the washi tree, a Japanese mulberry tree that gives rise to the materials for this tree.
Tea Leather
There are many vegan ways to build leather that will work for purses. One of the significant ways that we see companies using their creativity is by constructing leather from fermented green tea. It is easy to construct this leather, and many companies are opting for this kind of leather. Green tea has cellulose which holds different purse materials altogether. Manufacturers can’t make purses only with tea leather, which is why they will reinforce them with tea leather.
Cork
Cork is one of the best materials that you could use for purses. The material is water-resistant and can also be used for insulator purposes. Cork is one of the most environmentally friendly materials, so many people prefer using this material instead of leather.
It is easy to recycle and is also completely organic. Cork is also easy to source. Various industries require cork, so it limits problems with desertification and deforestation.
Cork forests also help with are also essential in the protection of a variety of endangered species, which sourcing helps with.
Recycled Rubber
It may not feel like rubber is the most luxurious material that you can get your hands on. However, some rubber can have the perfect texture and weight, so many people are likely to opt for it—rubber bags for the perfect base for faux leather bags.
Several brands use recycled leather to impart the perfect look for faux leather. They can imitate the leather feel and look to a tee. It can also translate wonderfully to various accessory designs and faux leather purses.
Waxed Cotton
When you think about waxed cotton, you’re likely thinking about cotton with wax on it. This would be a fair assessment and be a perfect substitute for leather. Many big brands, such as Marc Jacobs, have been using this method to replace leather for a very long time. The material’s flexible, water can’t get through to it, and the best part is that it’s easy to clean. It is cotton at the end of the day, which means it’s biodegradable and doesn’t require much maintenance. Leather bags often have to be dry cleaned, so you’re also saving on chemicals in the environment by opting for waxed cotton.
Waxed cotton involves the same procurement procedures as cotton. However, the only difference is that manufacturers will apply a layer of wax to the cotton. This helps protect the water from absorbing any liquids that harm the bag.
Tree Bark Leather
It’s similar to both cork and tea leather. This tree bark leather is made from sustainable timber, and the wood leather is exceptionally long-lasting. The leather can stand the test of time and is strong. All the pieces you would use are different from each other as the products’ grains are all supposed to be natural. The best part about it is that it can be extremely pliable, so you can use it to create all sorts of purses and clothes.
Different types of tree bark leather can be made for different woods. It can also be treated with non-toxic chemicals, so they don’t wither away easily with time. However, the treebark leather has to be flexible enough to stitch into a purse.
Pineapple Leather
This leather has a name called Pinatex. It is a byproduct that is procured when pineapples are harvested. Pineapple leaves have extremely long fibres which you can extract, dry, and purify. Eco-friendly brands like H&M are also using Pinatex to create a nonwoven mesh that manufacturers can apply to make purses and all kinds of clothing.
The fabric feels much more thick than leather. It is waterproof and extremely durable. Due to its properties, many people and companies better opt for products made from this material.
Apple Leather
This is an extremely vegan and environmentally friendly way of procuring material. Apple leather is made from the parts of an apple that go to waste. The best part about apple leather is that it’s cruelty-free and applies waste in a helpful way. Many vegan accessories are made from apple leather, including purses and handbags. Sustainability has become an extremely important factor in the business of many brands, and the introduction of apple leather is something that many manufacturers are applying.
Humongous Leaves
Certain leaves are so big that you can dry them out and use them to create different raw materials to make your purses. There are everyday items that manufacturers can make from bananas, Lotus, and raintree leaves. The best part about these leaves is that they are lightweight and can stand the test of time. They are also vegan and eco-friendly, so you can carry these accessories wherever you go.
