We’re not talking about a new Mac product or fruit roll-up here...
Apple leather is a relatively new and innovative material that has been gaining popularity in the fashion industry as a sustainable alternative to animal leather. It is a plant-based, vegan-friendly leather alternative made from the fibrous byproduct of apple juice production, called pomace. This material is often discarded as waste and can now be repurposed to make apple leather.
The Science
The production process for apple leather involves cleaning, mashing, and dehydrating the apple pomace to create a fibrous pulp. This pulp is then mixed with a binding agent, typically polyurethane, to create a flexible and durable material that can be used for various products, including handbags, shoes, and clothing. The result is a leather-like material that looks and feels like animal leather, but is much more sustainable and eco-friendly.
There are a variety of other plant-based leather alternatives that are also gaining popularity in the sustainable fashion industry. Cactus leather, for example, is made from the leaves of the prickly pear cactus, which are processed to create a strong and durable material that is similar in texture to animal leather. Coconut leather is another option that is made from the fibers of coconut husks, which are treated and processed to create a soft and pliable material that is perfect for accessories and footwear. Grape leather is also becoming more popular, and is made from the skins and pulp of grapes that are left over from the wine-making process. These materials offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather, and are helping to pave the way towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Mushroom leather is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather that is made from mushroom mycelium. Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, and when grown under controlled conditions, it can be transformed into a strong and flexible material that is similar in texture to leather. The process involves growing the mycelium on a substrate, such as sawdust or agricultural waste, in a controlled environment. Once the mycelium has grown into a dense mat, it is harvested, cleaned, and treated to create a finished product that can be used for a variety of applications, including fashion, accessories, and home decor.
Upcycling
One of the benefits of using apple leather is its reduced environmental impact. Traditional leather production is a notoriously unsustainable industry that relies on the use of animal hides, chemicals, and energy-intensive processes. Apple leather, on the other hand, is a waste product that is repurposed into a new material, reducing waste and the need for additional resources. It is also free of harmful chemicals like chromium, which is commonly used in traditional leather tanning.
Fashion Brands
Several brands have already started using apple leather in their products, including luxury brands like Hermes and smaller, independent brands like Veggani and GUNAS.
The rise of apple leather has also sparked interest in other plant-based leather alternatives, like pineapple, coconut, cactus, grape, mango mushroom leather. Brands like Piñatex and MycoWorks are using these materials to create innovative and sustainable products.
While apple leather and other plant-based leather alternatives are still relatively new to the market, they represent a promising trend towards more sustainable and ethical fashion practices. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases, we can expect to see more brands exploring and adopting these innovative materials.
Veerah, a luxury shoe brand, uses a variety of sustainable and cruelty-free materials, including apple leather. Their apple leather is made in Italy from the byproducts of the apple juice industry, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Veggani is a handbag brand that uses apple leather as well as other sustainable and vegan materials such as pineapple leather and recycled plastic. Their apple leather is made from organic apples grown in the Italian Alps and is free from harmful chemicals and synthetic materials.
Fruitleather Rotterdam is a Dutch company that creates sustainable and eco-friendly materials from discarded fruit waste, including apple leather. They partner with local fruit juice companies to collect their leftover apple waste, which is then processed into a durable and versatile material that can be used for various applications, including fashion.
Other notable brands using apple leather include Will's Vegan Shoes, a footwear brand that offers a range of vegan shoes made from various sustainable materials, including apple leather. Samara is a handbag and accessories brand using apple leather as one of their sustainable materials, alongside cork and Piñatex (pineapple leather).
Implications
By choosing to use apple leather, these brands are contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry and reducing waste and environmental impact caused by traditional leather production while still providing high-quality and stylish products for consumers.
The process of producing animal leather is highly toxic and polluting. It involves the use of chemicals such as chromium, which is highly carcinogenic and can contaminate soil and water. Animal agriculture, which is the primary source of leather, is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. In contrast, apple leather is made from the byproducts of apple juice production, which would otherwise go to waste, making it a more eco-friendly alternative.
Time for change
As such, vegan brands that use apple leather are also helping to reduce animal suffering. Many people are now aware of the cruelty involved in the leather industry, and the use of apple leather provides a compassionate alternative. By opting for vegan leather, consumers are making a statement that they don't want to support industries that exploit animals.
Additionally, these brands are often committed to ethical labor practices, paying fair wages and ensuring safe working conditions for their employees. They are also transparent about their supply chain and sourcing, which helps consumers make informed decisions about the products they buy.
Another way these brands are making a difference is by promoting circularity. Many of these brands are using recycled materials, upcycling waste, and designing products that can be easily recycled or repurposed. Will's Vegan Store, form expample, has a program called Rebound which allows you to recycle previous purchases. This helps to reduce the amount of waste produced by the fast fashion industry and keeps materials in use for longer.
By promoting transparency and circularity, these brands are challenging the traditional fast fashion model, which is based on overconsumption and waste. They are advocating for a more mindful and sustainable approach to fashion that considers the impact on people and the planet.