Biodegradable sounds good. But is it really always the most sustainable choice? We say: not necessarily – and here's why we deliberately take a different path.
Biodegradable.
It sounds like the perfect solution. Green, responsible, future-oriented.
But the more you look into it, the clearer it becomes: the term is more complicated than it sounds – and in many cases, misleading.
At Plant Inside, we've made a deliberate decision not to use biodegradable materials. Not because we don't take sustainability seriously – but because we do.
What Does "Biodegradable" Actually Mean?
A material is considered biodegradable when it can be broken down by microorganisms like bacteria or fungi.
Sounds simple. It isn't.
The problem lies in the conditions.
Most materials marketed as "biodegradable" require industrial composting facilities – with controlled temperatures, specific humidity levels and particular microorganisms. Under those conditions, they do break down.
In your household bin, in landfill or in nature, however, what often happens is: nothing. Or very slowly – over decades.
This isn't an edge case. It's the norm.
Is Real Leather Biodegradable?
Many people assume it is. Reality says otherwise.
Most leather products on the market are chemically tanned – typically with chromium salts. Add synthetic coatings, lacquers and surface treatments designed to make the material more durable, and the result is a product that is not biodegradable in practice – and whose production is one of the most environmentally damaging processes in the entire fashion industry.
More on this comparison in our article Vegan Leather vs Real Leather: Which One Is Better in 2026?
Why We Don't Use Biodegradable Materials
Because there are better alternatives.
At Plant Inside, we take a different approach: plant-based, long-lasting materials with a lower environmental footprint – instead of labels that sound good but deliver little in practice.
Our products are designed to:
- use renewable raw materials
- last for years, not just seasons
- be produced locally – in Poland, with short supply chains
Viridis® – Our Material and Its Philosophy
The primary material in our leather collections is Viridis® – a plant-based leather made from European corn and wheat, produced in Italy by Panama Trimmings.
Viridis® is not biodegradable. And that is a deliberate choice.
What Viridis® is instead:
- 69% bio-based raw materials – from European, non-GMO corn and wheat crops
- No PVC, no fossil polyols – bio-polyols from renewable sources instead
- FSC®-certified viscose on the back – from sustainably managed forests
- Independently verified through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – with proven lower impact on climate, health and natural resources
Certifications: Animal Free VV by LAV · Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class 1 · FSC® · USDA BioPreferred
The sustainability of Viridis® doesn't lie in biodegradability – it lies in replacing fossil raw materials with plant-based ones and in the long lifespan of the products made from it.
Everything about Viridis® – composition, certifications and real-life experience – in our detailed article What Is Viridis®? Plant-Based Leather from Corn and Wheat.
Longevity Is Sustainability
The most sustainable product is the one you don't have to replace.
At the Klimaty Design Market in Gdańsk, we showed bags we've been using ourselves for 3–4 years. No cracking, no fading, no material damage.
A bag that lasts ten years and still looks good is more sustainable than one that ends up in landfill after two – no matter how green its label sounds.
How our materials perform after years of everyday use is something we've documented in our real-life test: how durable is vegan leather really?
What We Do Instead
No vague promises. Concrete decisions:
- Plant-based materials – Viridis® from corn and wheat, Washpapa from cellulose fibres, organic cotton
- Production in Poland – small family-run workshops in Nowy Sącz, Elbląg and Malbork
- Small production runs – no overproduction, no warehouses full of unsold stock
- Sustainable packaging – Skropak, stone paper, recycled cardboard
No greenwashing. Just intentional decisions.
FAQ
Is Viridis® really not biodegradable?
No – and this is communicated openly. Viridis® is a bio-based but not a biodegradable material. Its sustainability comes from replacing fossil raw materials with plant-based ones – and from the long lifespan of the products made from it.
Is real leather biodegradable?
In practice, usually not. Chrome-tanned leather with synthetic coatings barely breaks down under normal environmental conditions – and its production places a significant burden on both the environment and human health.
Why aren't biodegradable materials automatically better?
Because most of them require industrial composting conditions to actually break down. In normal waste streams, this rarely works. A long-lasting product that doesn't need to be disposed of is in many cases the more sustainable choice.
What materials does Plant Inside use?
Viridis® (plant-based leather from corn and wheat), Washpapa (plant-based paper textile), organic cotton and Vegea® (grape leather). All materials are produced in Europe.
Where are Plant Inside products made?
Exclusively in Poland – in small family-run workshops in Nowy Sącz, Elbląg and Malbork.
Updated: April 2026