Here’s what to look for in Leather Alternatives at ReSOURCE
Whatever has led you here, you are already thinking about the reasons a brand has for choosing between the seemingly massive range of leathers and leather alternatives available. This decision usually begins with a basic understanding of the manufacturing processes in order to decide, does the final material reflect brand values, share brand beliefs and share the same innovative approach? To help choose the best option for you, we provide material highlights from our recent showcase on ReSOURCE to directly connect you with industry partners who can support in your next steps.
There are over 50 kinds of sustainable textile and material certifications used across our materials showcased online and at our shows with ReSOURCE. Get to know which 4 you should be familiar with when it comes to sourcing sustainable leathers and leather alternative materials:
Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex
Specifically tailored to leather articles which have been tested for harmful substances. Certification can be awarded for leather semi-finished products, finished leather, leather fibre materials up to finished articles and accessories.
Look for Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex certified materials if you are interested in:
- using real leather materials
- materials which are committed to reducing their chemical use and using safer alternatives
- ensuring your products are harmless to health
Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
All types of textiles that have been tested for harmful substances, from yarns to the finished product, may bear the STANDARD 100 product label.
Look for Oeko-Tex 100 certified materials if you are interested in:
- certified materials with an innovative approach
- materials which are committed to reducing their chemical use and using safer alternatives
- ensuring your products are harmless to health
V-Label by European Vegetarian Union (EVU)
The only requirement of this certificate is that the product is vegan/vegetarian, meaning the product must not contains products of animal origin; no animal auxiliaries may be used during the production process.
Look for V-Label certified materials:
- to ensure materials which are vegan, cruelty free and animal friendly
- to include in brand marketing, communication and raise brand awareness
- support the development of further innovative textile and accessories vegan alternatives
Cradle to Cradle by Cradle to Cradle (C2C)
Cradle to cradle (C2C) is an approach to a continuous and consistent recycling management. “Cradle-to-cradle products” are therefore those that can either be returned to biological cycles as biological nutrients or can be continuously kept in technical cycles as “technical nutrients”.
Look for Cradle to Cradle certified materials if you are interested in:
- ensuring production is focused on reducing water wastage and usage, fostering a closed loop system using wet processes
- materials which are committed to reducing their chemical use and using safer alternatives
- materials which use reduced energy in the supply chain, with use of renewable energy with minimal reliance on petro-chemicals
- materials which reduce and recycle waste throughout the textile supply chain
Other sustainable certifications to get to know when sourcing sustainable leathers & alternatives include: IVN Naturleder, Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) + Global Recycled Stand (GRS)
Real Leather
Real leather materials which are responsibly made and certified
100 % Real Leather
Certified: Leather Standard Oeko-Tex
Stitch & Trim
More Info >>
100 % Real Leather, tanned using olives leaves
Certified: Leather Standard Oeko-Tex
Turteks Tekstil
100 % Real Leather, water ink printed
Certified: Standard 100 Oeko-Tex
Texcart
More Info >>
100 % Real Leather, natural and chrome free tanning
Certified: Standard 100 Oeko-Tex
Medike Landes
More Info >>
100% Recycled Leather
Certified: RCS Blended
We Nordic
More Info >>
100 % Recycled Leather
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Nilorn
More Info >>
Natural Alternatives to Leather
Leather alternatives which are responsibly made, cruelty free using natural food produce and certified
100% Apple Leather
Certified: Standard 100 Oeko-Tex
Stitch & Trim
More Info >>
100% Jacron Leather from sustainable wood sources
Certified: Cradle to Cradle, FSC
Nilorn
More Info >>
100% Jacron Leather
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
We Nordic
More Info >>
100% Pinatex®
Certificates: none
We Nordic
More Info >>
100 % Cork
Certificates: none
Medike Landes
More Info >>
50% Cork, 50% Tencel
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100, FSC
Nilorn
More Info >>
Part Synthetic Alternatives to Leather
Leather alternatives which are responsibly made, using recycled or reclaimed materials made up in part of synthetic materials
90% Microfiber, 10% Polyurethane
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100, V-Label
Piovese Fashion
More Info >>
72% Pinatex®, 18% Polyactic Acid, 10% Polyurethane
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Medike Landes
More Info >>
70% Polyurethane, 30% REC Cotton
Certified: FSC, GRS, V-Label
Piovese Fashion
More Info >>
52% Waterbased Polyurethane, 34% Recycled PES, 14% Polyester
Certified: GRS
BLUE RENTEX.ONE
More Info >>
61% Recycled Leather, 30% Polyurethane, 1% Polyester
Certified: RCS Blended
BLUE RENTEX.ONE
More Info >>
90% Organic Material, 10% Other Fibres
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Medike Landes
More Info >>
25% Polyurethane, 25% Organic Material including Apple Skin, backing process 50%
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Medike Landes
More Info >>
25% Polyurethane, 25% Organic Material including Apple Skin, backing process 50%
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Medike Landes
More Info >>
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting sustainability in fashion, we want to improve our online sourcing platform ReSOURCE. Therefore, we want to hear from you! What products do you wish you could find on ReSOURCE? What information are we missing that could your fashion brand enter the next stage of responsible sourcing? Share your thoughts with us via mail to info@munichfabricstart.com
Look forward to new products featured on the ReSOURCE sustainable sourcing platform, coming soon for Autumn.Winter 22/23.
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