Biodegradable. It sounds great. Green. Responsible. But is it really always the best solution for people and the planet? We say: not necessarily. Here’s why we
intentionally don’t use biodegradable materials
– and what we choose instead.
Biodegradable – what does it actually mean?
A material is considered biodegradable when it can decompose through the action of microorganisms like bacteria or fungi.
Sounds perfect, right?
But here’s the catch:
👉 Most so-called “biodegradable” materials require industrial composting conditions – high heat, moisture, controlled environments.
👉 In your home trash bin or landfill, they often don’t break down properly.
👉 And believe it or not – most animal leather isn’t biodegradable either (more on that later).
Why we don’t use biodegradable materials
Because there are better, more realistic solutions.
At Plant Inside, we choose plant-based, long-lasting materials with a lower environmental footprint over labels that sound good but don’t always hold up in practice.
Our products are designed to:
- use renewable raw materials,
- last for years (not just months),
- be made locally – here in Poland, not shipped across oceans.
One example: Viridis® – our plant-based leather alternative
We use Viridis® in products like our Laptop Bags and the new Brown Shopper Bag.
What makes it special?
- Up to 69% plant-based content from European, GMO-free corn and wheat,
- Uses bio polyols instead of fossil fuels,
- Backed with FSC®-certified viscose,
- Certified: USDA BioPreferred, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, FSC®,
- Coagulated, not extruded – meaning better structure and durability.
“What makes Viridis® so special is that it contains up to 69 percent of plant-based raw materials. This is unconventional in an industry where most materials come from fossil fuels which are excessively polluting our planet.”
(source: viridisskin.com)
So no, Viridis® is not biodegradable – but it’s a truly sustainable choice.
Longevity is sustainability
At the Klimaty Market, we showed bags we’ve been using for 3–4 years.
People were surprised.
👉 No cracking. No fading. Still fully functional.
A bag that stays with you for years is more sustainable than a “biodegradable” one you throw out next season.
Is animal leather biodegradable?
Many people assume: real leather = natural = biodegradable.
But reality says otherwise:
- Most leather is chrome-tanned, using heavy chemicals,
- It’s coated in plastic or synthetic finishes,
- That makes it non-biodegradable in most real-world environments,
- Leather tanning also produces hazardous waste, especially in low-regulation countries.
So no – leather is usually not a clean alternative, despite how it’s marketed.
What we do instead
We focus on tangible sustainability, not vague labels.
- We use plant-based materials like Viridis® corn leather, grape leather, Washpapa and organic cotton,
- We produce locally in Poland, not in far-off factories,
- We avoid overproduction by making limited runs,
- We use sustainable packaging: compostable Skropak, stone paper and recycled cardboard.
No greenwashing. Just intentional decisions.
Our take: Biodegradable isn’t always better
Sustainability is complex. What matters is not just what something’s made of – but how long it lasts, how it’s produced, and what kind of footprint it leaves.
Our bags may not break down in a compost bin – but they’re designed to stay in your life (not in landfill) for a long time.
What matters to you?
Do you look for longevity, materials, local production?
Tell us what you value – and follow along here on Instagram:
Your Plant Inside Team