Working in collaboration with Italian wineries, VEGEA® Grape Leather adds value to grape residue from the winemaking process. The manufacturing process begins with the extraction of bio-oil from the grape seeds and combining this with the stalks and other natural fibres from cultivation through a patented process, to fabricate a textured, supple leather-like material. VEGEA® Grape Leather is composed of 42% grape mass (vegetal, renewable and recycled raw materials) and of 58% Bio-PU (a blend of vegetal oils and polymers from corn and castor). The end product material is extremely breathable, high temperature resistant, water resistant, has good physical properties and highly sustainable, with grape marc, a by-product of the huge volumes of wine produced annually.

VEGEA® Grape Leather is REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) compliant and solvent free. Additionally, this material is GRS (Global Recycle Standard) certified, tested and largely innovative and sustainable in the European market. The leather is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, with no odour, no synthetic or polluting oils, and with minimal ecosystem impact. 26 billion liters of wine are produced worldwide every year. Italy remains the top leader with 18% of the world’s total wine production. Naturally, these quantities offer a large amount of waste to decompose. During wine production, 10 liters of wine create 2.5 kg of ‘’waste’’ (grape marc consisting of the shells, cores, etc.). From that process, 1 square meter of grape leather can be produced.

Our linings are made from European, certified 100% hemp textile, guaranteed free of environmentally toxic products. Unlike cotton, hemp textile requires very little water and no additional chemical additives for its cultivation. Its harvest does not generate any waste since all parts of the plant are utilised for various uses. Additionally, its fibre is naturally antibacterial and durable. Hemp plants breathe more carbon dioxide than trees and can also remove other pollutants from the air. Hemp actually absorbs CO2 while it grows, making it a carbon negative crop. A super plant !

We are working to reduce the environmental impacts of our metal consumption by investing in low-impact recyclable metals of European origin. Our bags are adorned with customised Italian solid brass pieces - an alloy of copper and zinc. It is consciously chosen for its timeless qualities and workability. This hardware brings a fetish value to the bag and strengthens the design’s singularity. Our bags become a lucky charm charged with emotional value for the person who carries it.