“Eco-sounding”, but made from plastic? Let’s break it down.
“Made from eco leather.”
“Vegan faux leather bag.”
“Looks like leather, but better for the planet.”
Sounds great, right?
But what’s really behind these words?
In a world where every brand uses “eco”, “vegan” or “conscious” in their marketing, it’s hard to tell which materials actually live up to their promise – and which ones are just plastic dressed up in buzzwords.
What is “faux leather”, really?
The term faux leather typically refers to synthetic materials that mimic the look of real leather – usually made from PVC or PU, both petroleum-based plastics.
Which means:
- non-breathable,
- not biodegradable,
- often short-lived.
And yet, many call it “vegan” simply because it’s not made from animals.
But being vegan doesn’t mean being planet-friendly – especially if it’s basically a plastic bag with better branding.
And “eco leather”? Even more confusing.
“Eco leather” is not a protected term.
It can mean:
- real leather tanned with fewer chemicals,
- fake leather with a greener-sounding label,
- or simply… nothing.
Without standards, it often ends up as greenwashing in a new outfit.
So what’s the better alternative?
Plant-based materials.
At Plant Inside, we don’t use faux leather.
We work exclusively with plant-based vegan materials, sourced in Europe, made for real durability – and transparency.
Here are our favorite alternatives:
🌽 Viridis® – corn-based vegan leather
A European material made from up to 43% bio-polyols derived from non-food GMO-free corn and wheat, with a backing of FSC®-certified viscose.
Soft, durable, OEKO-TEX® and USDA-certified.
→ Used in our Laptop Bags and Crossbody Bags.
🍇 Vegea® – leather from wine waste
Made in Italy, Vegea® transforms grape leftovers from winemaking – skins, seeds, stems – along with vegetal oils and resins, into a premium plant-based material.
It follows circular economy principles and is Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified.
→ Used in our Shopper Bag Black.
📄 Washpapa® – washable kraft paper
A plastic-free, leather-like paper produced in Germany.
Certified by OEKO-TEX®, waterproof, durable and 100% vegan.
→ Used for our Lunch Bags and Laptop Sleeves.
So what should you look for instead of “eco”?
Check:
- What the material actually is
- Where it comes from
- Whether it’s certified
- How it behaves after use (durability, recyclability)
When in doubt – ask. We believe you deserve honest answers.
Plant Inside = clarity over catchphrases
We design in Poland.
We produce locally in small workshops.
We use only certified vegan materials.
No animal leather.
No petroleum-based “faux leather”.
Just long-lasting, plant-based bags with a story.
→ Want to know more? Head to our Transparency page or get to know us better About Us.
Final thought
Eco-sounding labels are everywhere – but they mean nothing without action.
At Plant Inside, we choose facts over fluff and plants over plastic.
And that’s why we never say “eco leather” – we say what it truly is.