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.

• …using real leather
• …looking for real or alternative leathers produced with reduced use of chemicals
• …making sure your leather 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
• Look for Cradle to Cradle certified materials if you are interested in:
• …products that 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.

• …making sure materials are vegan, cruelty-free and animal-friendly
• …authentically integrating this attribute into your marketing and brand communication
• …supporting the development of further innovative vegan textile and accessory 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”.

• …making sure production is geared towards reducing water consumption and promoting a closed-loop system with wet processes
• Look for Cradle to Cradle certified materials if you are interested in:
• …using materials that consume less energy in the supply chain, using renewable energy with minimal dependence on petrochemicals
• …using materials that 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
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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
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100 % Real Leather, natural and chrome free tanning
Certified: Standard 100 Oeko-Tex
Medike Landes
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100% Recycled Leather
Certified: RCS Blended
We Nordic
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100 % Recycled Leather
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Nilorn
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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
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100% Jacron Leather from sustainable wood sources
Certified: Cradle to Cradle, FSC
Nilorn
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100% Jacron Leather
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
We Nordic
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100% Pinatex®
Certificates: none
We Nordic
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100 % Cork
Certificates: none
Medike Landes
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50% Cork, 50% Tencel
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100, FSC
Nilorn
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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
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72% Pinatex®, 18% Polyactic Acid, 10% Polyurethane
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Medike Landes
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70% Polyurethane, 30% REC Cotton
Certified: FSC, GRS, V-Label
Piovese Fashion
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52% Waterbased Polyurethane, 34% Recycled PES, 14% Polyester
Certified: GRS
BLUE RENTEX.ONE
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61% Recycled Leather, 30% Polyurethane, 1% Polyester
Certified: RCS Blended
BLUE RENTEX.ONE
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90% Organic Material, 10% Other Fibres
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Medike Landes
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25% Polyurethane, 25% Organic Material including Apple Skin, backing process 50%
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Medike Landes
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25% Polyurethane, 25% Organic Material including Apple Skin, backing process 50%
Certified: Oeko-Tex 100
Medike Landes
More Info >>