What people actually asked us at the Klimaty Design Market in Gdańsk
"Don't say 'vegan bag.' Say 'bag made from plant-based leather.'"
That advice didn't come from us. It came from our neighbors at the market – a soap maker set up right next to us at the Klimaty Design Market in Gdańsk. From their experience, the word "vegan" puts off a significant share of people before they even take a closer look. "Plant-based," on the other hand, sparks curiosity.
They were right. All day long, people came up to our stand, picked up a bag – and asked questions that revealed something: most had no real idea what plant-based leather actually is. Here are the questions we got asked most often – with honest, detailed answers.
Quick Answer: What Is Plant-Based Leather?
Plant-based leather is a material made predominantly from renewable, plant-derived raw materials – such as corn or grapes – instead of animal hide. It's automatically vegan too, but the term "plant-based" additionally describes what it's actually made from.
"Is this really made from plants?"
By far the most common question. And a fair one – the material feels like leather, looks like leather, and in places even smells faintly like it.
The honest answer: yes, mostly. Our main material Viridis® is made from up to 69% plant-based raw materials – specifically European corn and wheat. The rest is conventional PU, which provides flexibility and durability.
That's an important distinction from materials marketed as "100% plant-based" when, technically, they aren't. We'd rather state the exact number than make a vague promise.
"Which part of the plant is it made from?"
A question often asked with genuine curiosity – sometimes even followed by people asking if you could eat the material (you can't, more on that below).
Viridis® is made from corn byproducts – specifically, the non-edible plant parts left over from corn processing. No corn is grown specifically for our bags. It's an agricultural byproduct that would otherwise be discarded.
🌱 Did you know? According to manufacturer data, Viridis® uses exclusively GMO-free, European corn that isn't intended for human consumption. The leftovers from food production are given a second use this way – instead of ending up as waste. (Source: Viridis® manufacturer data, viridisskin.com)
"Can you clean it with water without it falling apart?"
Yes – and this surprises a lot of people who still associate it with the old clichés of brittle "fake leather."
A damp cloth with mild soap handles most stains. Our materials aren't as water-sensitive as some expect. One customer even told us her child had spilled juice on one of our bags – a quick wipe, no lasting stain.
Worth knowing: machine washing isn't recommended. But in everyday life – rain, splashes, small mishaps – the material holds up remarkably well.
"Isn't this just plastic with a nice name?"
A critical, fair question. And one we're happy to answer directly.
No – but not entirely "no" either. Plant-based leather like Viridis® does contain a portion of conventional plastic (PU), which provides structural stability. The key difference: a substantial share – up to 69% – consists of renewable, plant-derived raw materials instead of being fully petroleum-based.
That doesn't make it "no plastic." But it makes it significantly less plastic, with a clearly better environmental footprint than pure PU or PVC. We don't hide that – we'd rather explain it precisely.
"How long does it last compared to real leather?"
A fair, somewhat skeptical question – many people have bought a "vegan" bag before that cracked or peeled within months.
With well-made plant-based leather, the reality looks different. One of our laptop bags made from Viridis® has been in daily use for over 4 years – no cracks, no peeling surface.
Durability depends heavily on material quality and craftsmanship – not all "vegan leather" is the same. For the full long-term test, see How Durable Is Vegan Leather, Really?
"Why don't you just say 'vegan'? Wouldn't that be simpler?"
This is a question we asked ourselves after talking with our market neighbors – and honestly, they had a point.
"Vegan" only describes what's not included – no animal-derived materials. "Plant-based" describes what's actually included – and that's the more interesting, more honest story. For us, "plant-based leather" isn't just a marketing choice – it's the more precise description.
For more on this terminology question, see our article Vegan Leather or "Faux Leather"? A Language Problem.
"Is vegan leather automatically sustainable?"
One of the most important questions – and one where we want to be especially honest.
No. Many "vegan" products are made entirely of PU or PVC – fully petroleum-based, with no plant content at all. "Vegan" only means "animal-free," not automatically "environmentally friendly."
We explain this important distinction in detail in Vegan Fashion Is Not Automatically Sustainable.
What These Questions Taught Us
The Klimaty Design Market showed us something that's easy to lose online: people want to know the details. Not just "vegan, yes or no" – but what it's made from, how it's processed, how long it lasts, how to care for it.
These questions have shaped how we communicate ever since. We now talk more deliberately about being "plant-based" rather than just "vegan" – not because one word sounds better, but because it's a more honest description of what our materials actually are.
FAQ
Is plant-based leather the same as vegan leather?
Plant-based leather is always vegan, but not every vegan leather is plant-based. "Vegan" only describes the absence of animal-derived materials. "Plant-based" additionally describes what the material is actually made from – such as corn or grapes, rather than being fully petroleum-based.
Can you eat plant-based leather since it's made from corn?
No. Even though the raw material is plant-derived, it's industrially processed into a material composite – not edible and not intended for consumption.
Does plant-based leather smell different from real leather?
Usually neutral to slightly earthy, depending on the material. It doesn't have the typical "leather scent" of animal hide, but also no unpleasant chemical smell.
Why don't you use 100% plant-based material with zero plastic content?
Currently, most plant-based leather alternatives require some amount of binding agents for stability and flexibility. Fully plastic-free solutions are still in development – we're watching that progress closely.
Is plant-based leather more expensive than conventional vegan leather?
Generally somewhat more expensive to produce, since processing plant-based raw materials is more involved than working with pure PU or PVC. The added value lies in the better environmental footprint and often in higher material quality.
Real Questions Deserve Real Answers
The Klimaty Design Market reminded us why direct contact with people matters so much. Online, misunderstandings are easy to skim past. Face to face, they show up immediately – and that's exactly what makes it possible to answer honestly and specifically.
Maybe that's the most important lesson of all: talking about materials means explaining patiently – not just claiming.
Got a question about our materials yourself? We'd love to answer it. Or explore our collection made from plant-based leather directly.
Updated: June 2026