According to a research report by MarketsandMarkets, the plant based leather market is projected to reach $97 millions by 2027 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5% during 2022 to 2027. Along with several brands worldwide, Phoebee recently announced bringing plant based leather to its already amazing collection of women exclusive vegan leather handbags. However, before delving deep into details, let’s understand plant based leather handbags.
What are Plant Based Vegan Leather Handbags?
Plant-based leather is a material manufacturer in such a way that no animals slaughtered or harmed in any way. Animal skin is not involved, and holds ethical values of vegan fashion. Faux leather is not anything new in the world today. It was invented in the 19th century and everything since there has been rapidly developments in the industry. Plant based leathers are not only ethical, but eco-friendly as well. It causes no harm to the environment by creating zero waste.
Plant based vegan leather handbags are made from vegetables and plants such as pineapple mushroom, cork, apple, banana, cactus, coffee grounds, green tea, coconut water, and more. They even use the agricultural wastes to create vegan leather. Did you know that they have. 40 times lower carbon impact than classic leather, and 17times lower carbon impact than PU leathers. Now the question is can they replace the quality and durability of traditional leather handbags? Maybe not, however, experts predict that they can give the traditional leather products a real run for money.
What are the different types of vegan leather handbags?
The debate between cruelty-free leather alternatives, and animal leather is that of a fire. Since the traditional leather industry is filled with problems, the vegan leather industry comes up with its own sets of issues. However, when compared, cruelty-free alternatives are far more better than the traditional one.
Vegan fashion is the future of fashion. With several brands introducing vegan fashion to promote ethical and conscious fashion accessories, the demand is rising everyday. Let’s discuss some of the types of leather and the different materials used.
Plant based leather
Plant-based leather may not be as durable as traditional leather. However, it is highly in demand for its eco-friendly nature, and zero animal involvement in manufacturing and production. Some of the materials used to prepare plant-based vegan leather handbags involve:
Mushroom leather
Mycelium leather is made from mushrooms and is one of the popular options in plant based leather alternatives. The material is an underground root structure of a fungal colony and are like tiny threads that spread under the soil throughout the forest floor. These leathers are durable, lightweight, and water-resistant.
Mycelial cells help in the growth of mushroom that specifically cultivated to form a robust leather alternative. One can make it efficiently and quickly in different widths, sizes, and shapes.
Pinatex
Pinatex is a popular plant based alternative made from pineapple leather. It is a pineapple leaf fiber that is more likely an agricultural waste product. Dr. Carmen Hijosa was the first one to manufacture vegan leather. Did you know that the German brand ‘Hugo Boss’ was the first to launch pinatex leather shoes. Today, several fashion brands are using the material to create fashion accessories such as vegan leather handbags and more.
Cactus leather
Cactus leather is another vegan leather option that helps in less carbon intensive practices. It generates less waste and helps the environment by enriching the soil, and increasing biodiversity to save energy and water. The cacti are left to grow and regenerate. Therefore, the materials can be collected from the same plant. Moreover, no chemicals or pesticides are required in the process. The plant that is harvested is dried in a solarium. They do not use energy used dryers, lowering the carbon footprint.
Apple leather
Apple leather is another plant based vegan leather that wears well, looks great, and offers high sustainability standards. However, this type of leather is not 100% plant based. It is a mixture of 30% apple waste along with polyester. The mushy pulp leftover from industrial apple juicing is mixed with synthetics to create the leather.
The Growth of Plant Based Vegan Leather Market
According to MarketsandMarkets research firm, the global plant based leather market will grow up to $97 millions by 2027. It is growing at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2022, and 2027. With the growing awareness of eco-friendly alternatives, climate change, and ethical choices, there has been a rising demand for plant-based vegan leather handbags. Fashion forward individuals are requesting for ethical, sustainable, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly fashion accessories. Thereafter encouraging designers, artisans, and fashion brands to take up vegan leather handbags as alternatives.
Why are Plant-Based Vegan Leather Handbags growing Rapidly?
Vegan fashion has existed for quite some years in the world. The industry has realised that the more people are aware of traditional leather and its inefficiencies, they tend more towards an ethical fashion. Vegan fashion as in vegan clothes, shoes, and accessories such as handbags, belts etc came into the market at the very beginning, but the question is, what is triggering the demand and growth of vegan fashion market.
Sustainability: plant based leathers are a sustainable alternative to classic leather that relies on animals. Businesses, and consumers are more and more concerned about the effects of leather on the environment, which is leading towards the production of eco-friendly products.
Ethical Concerns: the plant-based vegan leather market helps with animals welfare and raises questions about ethical choices. Animal lovers or consumers that don’t like products using animal skin, prefer ethical vegan leather handbags.
Impact on the Environment: classic leather production involves water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation. The plant based vegan leather materials with their low carbon impact attracts conscious consumers.
Innovation: Research and studies, along with technological advancements has led to the development of unique, high quality vegan leather handbags. The innovation has improved the vegan leather developments, making it stylish and attractive to consumers.
Increased adoption among brands: Leading fashion brands are using vegan leather to make unique handbags, clothes, shoes, etc. this is mainly because of the growing demand for eco-friendly and conscious fashion choices among consumers.
Looking Forward
As the world shifts towards ethical and sustainable fashion, the rise of plant-based vegan leather handbags is undeniable. With innovative materials like mushroom, pineapple, and cactus leading the charge, these eco-friendly alternatives are reshaping the industry. But as we embrace this trend, one question remains: What other groundbreaking innovations will propel the future of cruelty-free fashion?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are plant-based vegan leather handbags made from?
They are made from materials like pineapple leaves, mushrooms, cacti, and even apple waste mixed with synthetics.
- How do plant-based vegan leather handbags benefit the environment?
They reduce carbon footprint, waste, and the need for harmful chemicals used in traditional leather production.
- Are plant-based vegan leather handbags as durable as traditional leather?
While they may not match the durability of traditional leather, advancements are closing the gap, offering durable and stylish options.
- Why are plant-based vegan leather handbags becoming popular?
Rising awareness of ethical and sustainable fashion choices, along with concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact, are driving their popularity.
- Which leading brands are adopting plant-based vegan leather?
Many leading fashion brands are incorporating vegan leather into their collections in response to growing consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives.
