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Top 10 Leather Alternatives You Need to Know in Eco Fashion

Discover the top 10 leather alternatives that are revolutionizing eco-fashion, from cactus and mushroom leather to innovative materials like cork and coffee.

Leather has been an essential material since the dawn of humanity, serving as protection from the elements and creating long-lasting garments. Today, the fashion world still relies heavily on leather, with 50% of leather production used for shoes, 25% for clothing, and 15% for upholstery. However, leather production is not without its environmental consequences. Fortunately, there are innovative, eco-friendly alternatives made from plants and recycled materials, allowing us to embrace a more sustainable future in fashion. 

 

Why Leather Is a Problem

The United Nations has reported that livestock farming, essential for leather production, generates more greenhouse gases than the entire transportation sector. Additionally, methane from livestock is 86 times more harmful to the environment than the carbon dioxide emitted by cars. On top of that, most leather is treated with hazardous chemicals like chromium during tanning, making it non-biodegradable and creating toxic waste.
 

Video сredit: COWSPIRACY

But don’t despair—there are at least ten exciting leather alternatives, made from materials like cactus, mushrooms, cork, apples, and even coffee! These sustainable options are revolutionizing the fashion world and helping to reduce our carbon footprint.

Disclaimer: Sparkpick has affiliate partnerships and may receive a share of the revenue from your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work and sustainable fashion.

1. Vegan Leather

Most traditional vegan leather is made from PVC and polyurethane (PU), which are plastic-based. While they avoid animal harm, they’re still not the most eco-friendly due to their slow degradation. However, newer technologies allow PU to be more sustainable and recyclable, giving traditional vegan leather a greener edge.
 
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    sparkpick features veerah apple leather vegan sandals in sustainable fashionView
    VEERAH
    Apple leather sandals
    $169.00
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    sparkpick features veerah reversible leather vegan straps for shoe accessory in sustainable fashionView
    VEERAH
    Modular ankle straps
    $48.00
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    Sparkpick features Nicholas Kirkwood pre-loved nude pumps in sustainable fashion on Poshmark posted by SparkpickView
    Nicholas Kirkwood | Poshmark
    Pre-loved nude pumps (38)
    $250.00
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    Sparkpick features Gunas Safari red animal print vegan bag in sustainable fashionView
    GUNAS
    Print vegan bag
    $212.00 (On sale)
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    Sparkpick features VEERAH on Alltrueist Apple leather mules in sustainable fashionView
    VEERAH
    Recycled glitter boots
    $510.00
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    Sparkpick features SPARK + REBEL modular eco fashion brand Upcycled harness belt casual street style in sustainable fashion on EtsyView
    SPARK + REBEL | Etsy
    Upcycled harness belt
    $199.00
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    sparkpick features sans beast vegan card holder in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Vegan card holder
    $25.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features sans beast vegan leather yellow crossbody bag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Vegan crossbody bag
    $152.00
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    sparkpick features prologue shoes vegan boots in sustainable fashionView
    Prologue Shoes | Immaculate Vegan
    Vegan high boots
    $171.00
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    Sparkpick features Gunas vegan leather bag in sustainable fashionView
    GUNAS
    Vegan laptop bag
    $275.00
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    Sparkpick features GUNAS vegan leather satchel in sustainable fashionView
    GUNAS
    Vegan leather satchel
    $275.00
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    Sparkpick features NOAH vegan loafers classic in sustainable fashionView
    NOAH
    Vegan loafers
    $185.00
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    sparkpick features sans beast vegan phone bag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Vegan phone bag
    $80.00 (On sale)
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    Sparkpick features Gunas Safari animal print leather bag vegan in sustainable fashionView
    GUNAS
    Vegan print bag
    $245.00
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    sparkpick features blackcherrykiss on etsy vegan print boots in sustainable fashionView
    BlackCherryKiss | Etsy
    Vegan print boots
    $97.00
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    Sparkpick features VEERAH Vegan pumps in sustainable fashionView
    VEERAH
    Vegan pumps
    $328.00
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    sparkpick features sans beast vegan handbag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Vegan satchel
    $139.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features veerah stiletto vegan pumps in sustainable fashionView
    VEERAH
    Vegan stiletto pumps
    $328.00
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    sparkpick features sans beast vegan tote bag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Vegan tote bag
    $185.00 (On sale)
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    Sparkpick features Gunas circle tote bag from eco PU in sustainable fashionView
    GUNAS
    Vegan tote bag
    $236.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features sans beast zip wallet in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Zip wallet
    $65.00 (On sale)
 
 

2. Pineapple Leather (Piñatex)

Piñatex is a durable and flexible leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibers in the Philippines. Developed by Ananas Anam, it’s already being used by eco-conscious brands like Nae and Bohema Clothing to create stunning shoes and accessories. It’s not only 100% eco-friendly but also supports local farming communities by repurposing agricultural waste. 

Dr. Carmen Hijosa, founder of Pinatex, pineapple leather
Dr. Carmen Hijosa, the founder of Pinatex, is holding a pineapple / Photo by David Stewart for Wired
 
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    Sparkpick features Svala Pinatex leather clutch in sustainable fashionView
    Svala
    Piñatex clutch
    $220.00
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    Sparkpick features PlantBasedBoutiqueCo on Etsy Pinatex leather pouch in sustainable fashionView
    PlantBasedBoutiqueCo | Etsy
    Piñatex pouch
    $25.00
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    Sparkpick features NAE Vegan Shoes classic vegan sandals from pineapple leather in sustainable fashionView
    NAE Vegan Shoes
    Vegan sandals
    $153.00
 
 

3. MuSkin Mushroom Leather

MuSkin is made from the caps of mushrooms and is biodegradable, waterproof, and non-toxic. This vegan leather is already being used by designers like Nat2, who have launched a Fungi sneaker line. Although production is still limited, MuSkin shows immense potential for future fashion. 

Video credit: CNA Insider
 
 

4. Corn Leather

Corn leather combines organic plant material with PU, creating a smooth material perfect for small accessories and handbags. It’s made from non-food-grade crops, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with food supply chains. The result? A stylish, bio-based material that feels like traditional leather but with a lower environmental impact.
 
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    sparkpick features corn leather bag from mashu in sustainable fashionView
    Mashu
    Corn bag
    $380.00
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    sparkpick features corn leather bag from mashu in sustainable fashionView
    Mashu
    Corn bucket bag
    $567.00
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    sparkpick features v.gan cross body bag in sustainable fashion corn leather veganView
    V.GAN | Immaculate Vegan
    Corn leather bag
    $185.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features solari milano immaculate vegan oxford shoes in sustainable fashionView
    Solari Milano | Immaculate Vegan
    Vegan Oxford shoes
    $211.00 (On sale)
 
 

5. Apple and Grape Leather

Apple and grape leather are made from fruit waste, offering a unique texture and feel that is both eco-friendly and versatile. Companies like Happy Genie and Nuuwai are pioneering apple leather bags, while others are exploring grape leather for different products. These materials provide a sustainable alternative with a fresh, modern twist.

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    sparkpick features apple leather bag from mashu in sustainable fashionView
    Mashu
    Apple leather bag
    $398.00
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    sparkpick features sans beast apple leather bag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Apple leather bag
    $186.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features nae vegan shoes cross body bag in sustainable fashionView
    NAE Vegan Shoes
    Apple leather bag
    $155.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features veerah apple leather vegan sandals in sustainable fashionView
    VEERAH
    Apple leather sandals
    $169.00
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    sparkpick features good guys vegan apple skin clogs in sustainable fashionView
    Good Guys
    Apple skin clogs
    $73.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features o my bag urbankissed structured crossbody bag in sustainable fashionView
    O My Bag | Urbankissed
    Crossbody bag
    $235.00
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    sparkpick features pangaia grape leather sneakers in sustainable fashionView
    PANGAIA
    Grape leather sneakers
    $110.00
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    Sparkpick features NAE Vegan Shoes classic tall boots from apple leather in sustainable fashionView
    NAE Vegan Shoes
    Vegan boots
    $248.00
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    sparkpick features good guys vegan clog bootsin sustainable fashionView
    Good Guys
    Vegan clog boots
    $55.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features veerah vegan flate mule in sustainable fashionView
    VEERAH
    Vegan flate mule
    $278.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features bloom on immaculate vegan heel apple leather boots in sustainable fashionView
    BLOOM | Immaculate Vegan
    Vegan heeled boots
    $334.00


6. Coffee Leather

Yes, coffee can be more than just your morning fix! German brand Nat2 creates sneakers made from recycled coffee, with 50% of the shoe composed of coffee beans and plants. With a sustainable design and the added bonus of a coffee scent, coffee leather is a fun, eco-conscious option.

vegan shoes, recycled coffee, coffee sneakers
These 100% vegan unisex sneakers from Nat-2 are partially made from real sustainable recycled coffee / Image by: by Nat-2

7. Cactus Leather (Desserto)

Desserto is a vegan leather made from cactus plants, known for its flexibility, breathability, and partially biodegradable nature. The material was created by two Mexican innovators, Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, and is already being used in fashion and accessories like handbags and shoes.

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    sparkpick features sans beast cactus leather bag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Cactus leather bag
    $151.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features bohema immaculate vegan cactus leather sandals in sustainable fashionView
    BOHEMA | Immaculate Vegan
    Cactus leather sandals
    $199.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features urbankissed cactus leather stilettos in sustainable fashionView
    BOHEMA | Urbankissed
    Cactus leather stilettos
    $165.00 (On sale)
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    Sparkpick features SPARK + REBEL modular eco fashion brand vegan hand-painted belt in sustainable fashion on EtsyView
    SPARK + REBEL | Etsy
    Unique vegan belt
    $150.00
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    Sparkpick features SPARK + REBEL modular eco fashion brand Upcycled shoe accessory cactus leather casual street style in sustainable fashion on EtsyView
    SPARK + REBEL | Etsy
    Upcycled shoe accessory
    $110.00
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    Sparkpick features SPARK + REBEL modular eco fashion brand vegan hand-painted corset harness in sustainable fashion on EtsyView
    SPARK + REBEL | Etsy
    Vegan floral corset
    $250.00
 
 

8. Recycled Rubber

Rubber, especially recycled rubber, can be an excellent alternative to leather. Brands like Laura Zabo use old tires to create chic accessories, while companies like Elvis & Kresse repurpose decommissioned fire hoses for stylish bags. Though not biodegradable, these materials give new life to existing products.
 
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    Sparkpick features PaguroUpcycle on Etsy recycled rubber necklace in sustainable fashionView
    PaguroUpcycle | Etsy
    Rubber necklace
    $54.00

 

9. Waxed Cotton

Waxed cotton, a waterproof fabric once popular among sailors, is now a sustainable alternative to leather. Easy to wash and durable, it’s been used for years by brands like G-Star Raw and 7 for All Mankind. Waxed cotton is perfect for outerwear, offering both style and practicality.
 
waxed denim
High waist ankle jeans from 7 For All Mankind made from waxed denim / Image credit: 7 For All Mankind 
 

10. Cork

Cork has been used for centuries, and it’s still a sustainable and renewable alternative today. Lightweight, water-resistant, and durable, cork is harvested without harming the tree. It’s now being used to create shoes, bags, and belts, offering an eco-friendly material with a timeless look. 
 
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    Sparkpick features Corkor Cork backpack in sustainable fashionView
    Corkor
    Cork backpack
    $139.00 (On sale)
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    Sparkpick features YOKCORK on Etsy Cork bracelet in sustainable fashionView
    YOKCORK | Etsy
    Cork bracelet
    $36.00
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    sparkpick features growfromnature on etsy cork bracelet in sustainable fashionView
    GrowFromNature | Etsy
    Cork bracelet
    $20.00
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    Sparkpick features Corkor on Etsy Cork briefcase in sustainable fashionView
    Corkor | Etsy
    Cork briefcase
    $194.00
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    Sparkpick features GrowFromNature on Etsy Cork cap in sustainable fashionView
    GrowFromNature | Etsy
    Cork cap
    $56.00
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    Sparkpick features GrowFromNature on Etsy Cork heart clutch in sustainable fashionView
    GrowFromNature | Etsy
    Cork clutch
    $56.00 (On sale)
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    Sparkpick features Svala cork tote in in sustainable fashionView
    Svala
    Cork tote
    $195.00
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    Sparkpick features Watson & Wolfe cork belt vegan on Immaculate vegan in sustainable fashionView
    Watson & Wolfe | Immaculate Vegan
    Cork vegan belt
    $54.00
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    Sparkpick features EatingTheGoober on Etsy Upcycled versatile sandals in sustainable fashionView
    EatingTheGoober | Etsy
    Upcycled sandals
    $101.00

 

Bonus: Zoa Leather

Modern Meadow’s Zoa leather is a bio-fabricated leather made from lab-grown collagen. Although not yet widely available, it’s an exciting development that could reshape the leather industry by eliminating the need for animals entirely. This liquid leather can take on any shape and is compatible with a wide range of materials.

Video credit: Fast Company
 
 
These are just some of the innovative leather alternatives that have emerged in recent years, showing that sustainable fashion is both fun and forward-thinking. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself carrying an apple leather bag or walking in mushroom sneakers!

 

Need Help Curating Your Sustainable Wardrobe?

If you’re curious about how to incorporate these eco-friendly alternatives into your wardrobe, Sparkpick’s personal stylists are here to help. Our stylists can guide you in finding the perfect sustainable pieces to fit your personal style while ensuring you’re making eco-conscious choices. 

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