Plant-based leather? Sounds like salad.
But don’t worry – we’re not wrapping our laptops in lettuce.
Plant-based leather is the next generation of sustainable materials. It avoids animal cruelty, reduces waste and still looks amazing. And while it’s becoming more popular, most people still don’t really know what it is.
So let’s fix that.
Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about plant-based leather – including how we use it at Plant Inside.
1. It’s made from corn, grapes… or even paper
No joke. These are some of the base materials behind high-quality vegan leather:
- Viridis® is made from non-edible European corn and wheat, with up to 69% bio-based content.
- Vegea® transforms grape leftovers from winemaking (skins, seeds, stems) with vegetal oils and resins into premium material.
- Washpapa® is washable kraft paper – waterproof, certified, and plastic-free.
→ Want to know how a plant becomes a bag? Read our article on How our bag is made – from corn to the final stitch.
2. It’s animal-friendly – and not just a marketing trick
Some “vegan” leather is really just fossil-fuel plastic like PU or PVC.
True plant-based leather goes beyond that: it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and often made in transparent, certified ways.
We at Plant Inside are proud to be PETA-Approved Vegan for over 3 years – and we tell you exactly what’s in every bag.
No animal parts. No greenwashing.
3. It’s not a cheap alternative – it’s smart material science
Today’s plant-based leather isn’t the “fake leather” of the past.
- Viridis® is not laminated but coagulated – which gives it a high-end, long-lasting surface.
- Vegea® is certified by the Global Recycled Standard.
- Washpapa® can handle daily wear, spills and even being rinsed under water.
It’s not a compromise. It’s a step up.
→ Our Laptop Cases, for example, are made from Washpapa – and have been going strong for years.
4. It looks and feels amazing
Matte or soft like nubuck? Warm camel or deep black?
Plant-based leather comes in a variety of finishes and textures – and often fools even leather fans.
Just take a look at our Crossbody Bags or Laptop Bags.
They’re elegant, practical and 100% animal-free.
5. It’s circular by design
Many plant-based leathers use upcycled or waste materials:
- Corn & wheat – from non-edible, GMO-free crops
- Grape leftovers – in collaboration with Italian wineries
- Paper pulp – from certified forestry
It’s all about giving waste a new life – and keeping things in the loop.
Final thoughts: It’s more than a trend
Plant-based leather isn’t a gimmick. It’s:
- Animal-friendly 🐾
- High-tech 🧪
- Stylish ✨
- And honest 🌱
At Plant Inside, we don’t say “eco-leather.”
We say exactly what it’s made of.
→ Ready to see for yourself? Explore our collection or read more about our materials & values.