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Introduction:
In a world where environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly imperative, many people are seeking eco friendly alternatives in every aspect of their lives, including fashion. One industry that has been making significant strides in this regard are sustainable vegan bags. From cruelty free backpacks to vegan handbags, brands are innovating with sustainable materials that not only minimize environmental impact but also offer stylish and functional solutions. Let's explore 10 eco-friendly materials you will find while shopping at Green Vegan Bags, highlighting their benefits and contributions to a greener planet.
Cork Leather:
Cork leather, also known as cork fabric, is a versatile and sustainable material made from the bark of cork oak trees. It is vegan, cruelty free and sustainable! Harvesting cork does not harm the trees, as the outer bark is removed without harm to the tree, allowing the tree to regenerate. This renewable resource is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for vegan bag production. Moreover, the cork leather handbags here are lined with 100% organic cotton, making them sustainable inside and out.
Appleskin:
Appleskin leather is a breakthrough in vegan leather fashion, utilizing discarded apple peels and cores from the food industry. Through a process that involves binding the apple waste with water based polyurethane or organic cotton, a leather-like material is created. Not only do vegan handbags made of appleskin leather reduce waste by repurposing agricultural by-products, but it also boasts qualities similar to traditional leather, such as durability and flexibility. Appleskin is great for vegan messenger crossbody bags, such as laptop bags, and vegan tote bags and shoppers as it is sturdy and durable. Appleskin is also water and stain resistant, making it long lasting, easy to clean and durable. Our Appleskin vegan bags have either 100% organic cotton lining or lining spun from recycled materials such as fishing nets, making them an incredible, sustainable and innovative.
Pinatex:
Pinatex, or pineapple leather, is a natural textile derived from pineapple leaves, a by-product of the pineapple industry. Developed as a vegan and sustainable alternative to leather, Pinatex offers a cruelty free and eco friendly option for sustainable vegan handbag manufacturing. The production of Pinatex promotes rural farming communities and reduces agricultural waste, making the purchase of a pineapple leather purse a socially and environmentally responsible choice for conscious consumers.
Recycled PU Leather:
Polyurethane (PU) leather is a faux leather material commonly used in vegan handbags and cruelty free accessories. There are two types of PU, oil based and water based. Premium vegan leather bags typically use water based polyurethane, which is has a much lower carbon footprint and is much more sustainable, durable and long lasting. Recycled PU leather, is made from post-consumer polyurethane waste from discarded cruelty free accessories and handbags, reducing the need for virgin materials and diverting waste from landfills. Using recycled PU leather creates incredibly durable vegan tote bags, crossbody vegan bags along with many other faux leather handbags.
Recycled Polyester:
Recycled polyester is a sustainable alternative to conventional polyester, which is derived from petroleum-based materials. By repurposing post-consumer recycled polyester in vegan handbag designs, companies help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of virgin polyester. Utilizing recycled polyester in sustainable vegan bag manufacturing helps close the loop on plastic waste while offering a durable and versatile material. Recycled polyester and recycled PU vegan leather are woven together to create the ever so popular Johanna Tote Bag.
Recycled Fishing Nets:
Discarded fishing nets pose a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems, contributing to plastic pollution in oceans and waterways. By collecting and recycling these abandoned nets, sustainable brands are transforming them into lining for vegan handbags. Not only does this initiative mitigate environmental harm, but it also supports coastal communities. Some of our vegan crossbody bags have lining spun from recycled fishing nets and similar items taken from the ocean.
Upcycled Innertube:
Inner tubes from bicycle and automobile tires are often discarded as waste, despite being durable and resilient materials. Upcycling these innertubes into vegan handbags and wallets, gives them a new lease on life and prevents them from ending up in landfills. Upcycled innertube vegan bags and wallets offer a unique and edgy appeal and showcase the creativity of sustainable designers in repurposing unconventional materials. Upcycled wallets and handbags are handmade and the quality is incredibly durable. Unlike traditional leather, innertube upcycled wallets and handbags are waterproof and maintain their quality through all weather.
100% Organic Cotton:
Conventional cotton cultivation involves the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can have adverse effects on the environment. It can also wreak havoc on your skin. In contrast, organic cotton is grown using natural methods without the use of harmful chemicals, promoting soil fertility and reducing water consumption. Many of our vegan handbags are lined with GOTS certified 100% organic cotton. This makes the lining biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful residues, making a safe and sustainable vegan handbag choice both inside and out.
Recycled PET Bottles:
PET bottles are one of the most common types of plastic waste found in the environment. By recycling PET bottles, sustainable vegan bag brands are able to create beautiful and durable material for lining. The vegan bag lining that is spun from PET bottles is soft and fabric-like, you would not suspect this is possible with recycled PET! Using recycled PET reduces the demand for new material creation, conserves energy, and prevents plastic pollution, contributing to a circular economy and cleaner planet.
Stainless Steel and Nickel-Free Hardware:
While often overlooked, the hardware used in sustainable vegan bags, such as zippers, clasps, and buckles, can have environmental implications. Stainless steel hardware is a sustainable choice due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and recyclability. Additionally, some of the bags are using nickel-free hardware which eliminates the risk of allergic reactions. In fact, one way that you can tell quality vegan handbags is by the hardware used. Cheaper cruelty free bags will use plastic hardware that is coated to look like metal and the coating will start to wear off after a while. At Green Vegan Bags we only choose high quality, sustainable hardware to ensure that your vegan handbag is as durable as it is sustainable.
Conclusion:
As consumers become increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint and the suffering of animals, the demand for eco-friendly and cruelty-free products continues to grow. By incorporating sustainable materials like cork leather, Appleskin vegan leather, Pinatex, Recycled vegan leather, and other sustainable materials into vegan handbags, we are not only reducing our impact on the planet but also setting a precedent for a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. Together, we can make a difference by supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and innovation in their practices.