As fashion designers and entrepreneurs, we work in one of the most destructive industries on the planet… from dyes leaching into water resources to carbon pollution from raising crops and livestock for fabrics, it’s certainly no secret that garment production and apparel manufacturing are not very good for our planet. Thankfully, designer-entrepreneurs in fashion markets around the world have begun to adopt more sustainable and ethical fashion manufacturing methods to help reduce their impact! (Good news for Mother Nature!) One of the most exciting developments in the sustainable fashion movement has to be sustainable leather – ethical and vegan leather products are being used by top designers and brands everywhere, from earth-friendly brands like Matt and Natt to big names like Stella McCartney. Looking to get in on the action? Here are some of Silaye’s fave leather alternatives!
Piñatex
Ananas Anam’s stunning and innovative pineapple leather, called Piñatex, was one of the first leather alternative products to hit the fashion scene, and is it ever fascinating! Using leaves from pineapple plants that would have wound up in the waste, Piñatex is not only vegan but also does not require any additional resources to produce!
Kraft-Tex
Kraft-Tex makes vegan, sustainable fabric alternatives, including leather! Constructed with paper, the fabric is washable, durable, and ethical… plus, Kraft-Tex makes faux leather in a variety of fun colors like pink, green, and orange!
Muskin
Another cool and cruelty-free leather alternative? Muskin, a leather-like fabric made from mushroom skin, offers a soft textured feel similar to leather, without the non-renewable guilt!
Sommers Plastic Products
Plastic may not be a renewable resource, but Sommers’ polyurethane products do have some benefits over traditional, animal-sourced leathers: their products are PVC-free, lead-free, and they do are not made with toxic chemicals. Best of all, Sommers does not have any minimums for their orders – perfect for trial runs!
There are so many earth-friendly fabric and leather alternatives being invented every year, making it easier for new designer-entrepreneurs and fashionistas to comply with Mother Nature’s needs while still creating fab products!
What are some other sustainable fabric solutions you’ve come across? Let us know in the comments!
P.S. Looking for affordable fabrics and care to help the planet? We are launching a marketplace that connects designers with garment factories that have excess fabric. Purchasing these fabrics will prevent them from going to landfill. Want to learn more? Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to get your hands on these fabrics. Sign Up Here.