Beyond the hide & PU
Today’s new‑generation materials are redefining what’s possible in fashion and accessories.
Unlike outdated PVC or PU “pleather,” they are truly bio‑based, plastic‑free, and high‑performance, delivering beauty and durability without petroleum-heavy components.
Most conventional leathers—often marketed as “natural”—are in fact finished with polyurethane or acrylic coatings, inheriting the same petroleum-based issues as synthetic alternatives.
In response, we present a curated selection of advanced non‑PU, non‑PVC materials for forward‑thinking designers and creatives, uniting luxury, performance, and sustainability in a new era of conscious design.
Reishi® – MycoWorks
Reishi is a fine mycelium-based material created by MycoWorks, harnessing the root structure of mushrooms. By growing mycelium in a controlled environment, MycoWorks produces a material with customizable strength, texture, and drape. Reishi offers a leather-like look and feel, yet it’s fully animal-free and free from plastic coatings. It’s engineered at the cellular level, allowing brands to design for luxury applications without compromising on sustainability.
MIRUM® – Natural Fiber Welding
MIRUM, developed by Natural Fiber Welding, is a 100% plant-based leather alternative made from natural ingredients such as cork, coconut husk, natural rubber, and plant oils. Unlike many “vegan leathers,” MIRUM requires no PU or PVC coatings. This makes it entirely plastic-free, biodegradable, and recyclable. It delivers performance qualities such as abrasion resistance, flexibility, and water resistance, making it suitable for handbags, footwear, and interiors.
COSM™ – ISA
COSM from ISA TanTec is a bio-based material designed for luxury applications. Using innovative plant-derived resins and natural fibers, COSM achieves a premium leather-like aesthetic while being free of chrome tanning and synthetic finishes. It’s engineered to offer high performance in colourfastness, durability, and suppleness while significantly lowering environmental impact through reduced water use and chemical processing.
ELEVATE™ – Uncaged Innovations
ELEVATE is a next-generation, plastic-free alternative inspired by the structure of natural leather. Created by Uncaged Innovations, it uses renewable, plant-based polymers and natural fibers to achieve structural integrity and luxurious hand feel. ELEVATE’s versatility allows designers to create fashion items that meet demanding performance standards while being completely free of animal inputs and petrochemicals.
A New Spectrum of Possibilities
These new-generation materials are more than replacements—they represent an evolution in thinking. They give designers the ability to select from a wider palette of sustainable, high-performance materials that balance aesthetic beauty, durability, and conscious production. As technology advances, these innovations are moving the fashion industry away from outdated methods and toward a smarter, more regenerative future.
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