MATERIALS
The sustainable materials that we use
Animal suffering you can't even imagine, the excessive use of chemicals in the tanning of leather and the enormous pollution caused by synthetic leather. This is the dark side of many 'seemingly' beautiful bags and the reason why we decided to look for sustainable alternatives for our bag label.
Our bags are the result of a careful search for the most innovative, fair and environmentally friendly production methods and materials. Think of cactus and pineapple leather instead of PU (plastic) that most 'vegan' bags are made of. Our plant-based materials are animal-friendly, save water and energy, and avoid the use of harmful chemicals. For extra strength, a small amount of recycled plastic is sometimes added - not a perfect solution, but a much more sustainable choice. And we continue to look further. The development of these materials does not stand still, and we follow every step closely. Because if things can be done better, we want to know about it.
Think outside the trash!
Our search for animal and environmentally friendly materials does not stop here. With every new material we discover, we continue to surprise by creating stylish and sustainable products from the most groundbreaking and innovative materials.
The hidden truth behind animal leather
The suffering associated with leather production is much greater than most people realize. Much of the leather in the fashion industry comes from Asia, where cows are often made sick in order to use their skin, because in many states in India, it's illegal to slaughter healthy animals. In other countries, such as China, even dog and cat skins are used in leather products. These animals are slaughtered alive because it is cheaper. When you wear leather, you never know for sure which animals have been sacrificed for it.
In addition to animal suffering, workers’ rights are also violated, and the impact on the environment is enormous. Just like fur, leather is sprayed with toxic chemicals. Without this treatment, a piece of leather in your closet would soon smell like a rotting animal. In short, leather is a ‘global killer’.
So then just choose 'vegan' leather?
Synthetic leather, often promoted by brands as 'vegan leather', seems like an attractive alternative. However, in reality it is often just plastic, which is just as harmful to the environment.
The quality of our materials
A Trashious bag is designed to last, both in style and durability. It's an investment in quality and responsibility that you wear with pride.
Our bags are made from vegan leather that uses little water and is free from harmful chemicals such as phthalates and PVC. The materials meet the strictest performance standards and environmental criteria, and are extremely durable and long-lasting. For example, even some sneakers are made from apple leather. Major brands such as Adidas and Bentley also use these materials for their products, such as boxing gloves made from cactus leather and car interiors made from wine leather.
The hardware of our bags and accessories is also of high quality, so that it lasts a long time. For example, the zippers in our bags are always of the quality brand YKK.
Pineapple leather
SHINE LIKE A PINEAPPLE.
Muy impresionado. That’s what we were when we read about this beautiful material made of a byproduct from the pineapple fruit industry: pineapple leaves. Once the long fibres are removed from the leaves (these create the material’s beautiful texture) the leftover biomass is used as a natural fertilizer. Two waste products, two uses. Pinatex - as this leather alternative is called, literally takes the crown when it comes to 'Turning Trash into Treasures'.
Appelleer
AN APPLE A DAY...
Yes correct. It does keep the doctor away. So let's eat lots of them! Because what you might not know, apples are not only good for your health, they also contribute to a better planet. Can you imagine? From the cores and skins discarded from the industrial food industry, apple leather is made! A sustainable alternative for animal and plastic leather. We know... madness.
Bamboo leather
BENDS. DOESN'T BREAK.
Bamboo is no ordinary plant; it is a combination of strength and resilience. It grows incredibly fast, continues to absorb CO₂, requires little water and bends without breaking. The natural bamboo fibres are processed into a supple and strong material, perfect for our collection. Bamboo leather is strong and flexible, just like you.
Cactus leather
CACTUS LEATHER. A SHARP IDEA.
In Mexico, there are plains are full of the Nopal cactus; a plant that does not need water to grow and whose fruits are used for food and supplements. The leaves were thrown away for years, but are now getting a second life. Leather is now made from them in a sustainable way.
Corn leather
A-MAIZE-ING.
Cornflakes, popcorn, tortilla chips. Just to name a few. We love the wide variety of corn products! And recently we discovered our favorite: corn leather. Made from waste from the food industry. A perfect addition to the materials we use for our bags and accessories collection, don't you think? It should come as no surprise that we have also turned this waste into some beautiful gems. Especially for you.
