What’s the Difference Between Plant-Based and Vegan?

PLANT-BASED VS. VEGAN: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

There’s a lot of confusion out there when it comes to the terms “plant-based” and “vegan.” Some people throw them around like they mean the same thing. They don’t. Although the terms are usually used when referring to food, they also apply when shopping for vegan leather bags, wallets, belts and other accessories that align with your values.

Vegan: It’s About the Animals. Period.

Veganism isn’t just a diet—it’s a social justice movement. It means choosing to live in a way that doesn’t exploit animals for food, fashion, or anything else. A vegan handbag contains zero animal products. No leather, no wool, no silk, nothing that comes from an animal. Although all plant-based leather is vegan, not all vegan bags are plant based. Vegan handbags can be made from innovative materials like upcycled innertubes, recycled nylon or polyester or PU, cork leather, or plant-based leathers like AppleSkin™ or Piñatex. If we are talking about food, vegan is the stamp of approval that guarantees no animal products are inside. Being vegan means that you do not eat, use or purchase products that contain animal derived ingredients. 

 Plant-Based: A Diet, Not a Movement

A plant-based diet is focused on eating foods that come from plants. It’s about health and nutrition—not necessarily about ethics. A person who eats plant-based might still wear leather shoes or carry a leather handbag or even wear a fur coat without a second thought. And here’s the kicker: just because a food is labeled “plant-based” doesn’t mean it’s vegan. Many times it is, but other times its not. When it comes to food, "plant based" is similar to the "natural" label, it isn't a regulated term. Many people think that "natural" is the same as "organic" but it isn't. When something is labeled "plant based", sometimes there is dairy or eggs in it, other times it is vegan. You have to double check the label to be sure. 

What Does This Mean For Vegan Handbags?

When we get into vegan handbags, this is a different thing entirely. Not all sustainable or vegan leather bags are plant based. Let’s break it down:

Plant-based Handbags: Leather that is specifically made from plants and not animals 

Plant-based handbags are made from materials derived from plants, such as:

• AppleSkin™ Leather – Created from apple waste, this leather alternative is durable, stylish, and reduces food waste.
• Piñatex (Pineapple Leather) – Made from pineapple leaf fibers, this innovative material is breathable, flexible, and a great alternative to traditional leather.

Cork, cactus and wine leather are also other leathers that are derived from plants and not animals. These are innovative ways of creating cruelty free alternatives to animal leather. 

Vegan Handbags: Zero Animal Products, Period

A handbag that’s vegan means no animals were harmed or used in the handbag. Some vegan handbag material is plant based, while others are not. Vegan handbags includes both amazing sustainable materials but can also be cheap, plasticky and toxic. Some of the most exciting sustainable vegan handbag materials that are not plant based include:

• Recycled PU Vegan Leather – Keeping existing material of landfills and oceans while creating stylish, functional new vegan bags.
• Recycled Nylon – Taking waste and repurposing it into cruelty free style
• Upcycled Innertube – Turning discarded rubber into edgy, ultra-durable accessories.

Showcasing the Difference: 4 Vegan Leather Bags that Stand Out

To help illustrate the difference, here are two plant-based bags and two vegan, upcycled or recycled bags that redefine sustainable fashion:

1. The Elli Crossbody (Made of Plant-Based AppleSkin™)

A modern vegan crossbody bag crafted from AppleSkin™, offering the look and feel of leather with a reduced carbon footprint. The Elli also has an interior made of recycled material, making it ultra sustainable. 

2. The Piñatex Crossbody Pouch (Made of Plant-Based Piñatex)

A lightweight and durable vegan crossbody bag made from pineapple leather, proving that plants are better than traditional leather. Pineapple leather is sourced from the waste of the pineapple industry, using little to no additional resources. 

3. The Upcycled Maggie Crossbody (Made of Upcycled Innertube)

Made from discarded rubber innertubes, this sleek and tough bag turns waste into high-fashion, cruelty-free style. It's unisex, rugged style is perfect for festivals, activism or rescue work. 

4. The Daisy Clutch & Crossbody (Made of Recycled PU Vegan Leather)

This vegan bag is multipurpose and gives a second life to waste that would be in the landfills while keeping you looking fabulous. The detachable strap let's you carry it as a crossbody vegan bag or a clutch. 

Why Vegan Leather Bags are the Future 

If you care about animals and sustainability, vegan handbags are the way to go. While plant-based materials are a step in the right direction, you don't have to choose a plant based bag to keep it cruelty free. Choosing any sustainable vegan handbag means you’re supporting innovation, reducing harm, and making a statement that fashion doesn’t have to come at the cost of animals or the planet.

The Bottom Line? Go Vegan.

Understanding the difference between plant-based and vegan isn’t just about food—it’s about making conscious choices in every aspect of life, including fashion. Whether you’re shopping for a vegan crossbody bag, a sustainable tote, or an upcycled handbag, make sure your purchase aligns with both style and compassion. The future of fashion is cruelty-free—and trust us, it looks good on you.