Next Gen alternative to leather fabrics: innovation & conscious luxury

Have you ever heard of those materials that look like leather... but aren't?

Cacti, apples, grapes, olives, or pineapples: these plant-based alternatives made from agricultural waste are increasingly appealing to fashion designers. We're talking about "next-gen" materials, "plant-based canvases," ... new generations of materials for more sustainable accessories. The term " vegan leather " has even become a very common expression... but incorrect . The word "leather" legally refers to a material of animal origin only .

The emergence of plant-based materials in responsible fashion
Today's luxury is reinventing itself. Faced with growing demand for ethical, sustainable, and traceable products, plant-based materials are proving popular. According to the Material Innovation Initiative, the market for alternative materials to leather could reach $97 billion by 2027.

At Anjara, we've chosen these cutting-edge materials to offer desirable leather-like goods without compromising on style or value. Most of these materials still contain a proportion of polyurethane (PU), which is necessary for their durability, but its impact remains limited compared to traditional leather. At Anjara, we choose progress over perfection by selecting materials that are constantly evolving.

Some examples of innovative materials

• Uppeal™: an Italian material made from apple waste,
• Desserto®: made from cactus leaves, without PVC or heavy metals,
• Piñatex®: developed from pineapple fibers,
• Vegea®: designed from winemaking residues,

A significantly reduced environmental impact
Plant-based alternatives can significantly reduce the ecological footprint. In fact, the production of one square meter of leather emits an average of 110 kg of CO₂ (source: FILK Institute).

Plant-based materials like Uppeal™ or Desserto® can reduce these emissions by 60 to 90%, while requiring much less water and no chrome tanning.

Why choose an alternative to leather (and conventional leatherette)?
Choosing an alternative material means choosing a new vision of luxury: modern, conscious, creative.
At Anjara, we don't imitate: we innovate. Our bags are designed as objects of style and purpose, built to last, adapt to urban life, and meet the demands of committed fashion.

And you? What plant-based materials do you know?