Innovative brand Beyond Leather’s next-gen leather alternative made from upcycled apple waste, Leap, has received The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark.
Driven by the idea of utilising waste rather than creating more, Beyond Leather has developed an alternative to leather based on apple waste. Each m² of Leap saves 1.8 kg of apple pulp waste, helping reduce the more than 4 million tons of global apple waste annually, lowering waste costs for juice producers and preserving valuable resources.
The innovative material is suitable for a number of industries, ranging from small leather goods to furniture and home décor and will soon be ready for car interiors. The development follows a rise in interest in materials that are made without causing harm to animals, with recent research from The Vegan Society showing that 41% of respondents believe that wearing leather made from cow skin is unacceptable.
Speaking of their choice to register with The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark, Mikael Eydt, CEO and co-founder at Beyond Leather, said:
“Obtaining the Vegan Trademark certification for Leap is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to causing less harm. In today’s market, both companies and consumers seek products they can trust 100%, so by having the vegan certification we can provide clear assurance that Leap does not contain animal-derived ingredients or animal testing, strengthening our relationship with partners who look for material that reflects their ethical beliefs.”
The Vegan Trademark is globally recognised across multiple industries, including textiles and fashion, as well as food, drink and cosmetics. The Trademark’s rigorous standards make it easier for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. The standards include: no animal ingredients or by-products in the manufacturing of a product, that cross-contamination procedures are in place to ensure it is minimised and that it excludes testing at the initiative of the company or on its behalf, or by parties over whom the company has effective control.
The vegan textile market looks set to continue to grow as brands search for more sustainable alternatives to products such as leather and polyester. A 2021 report by The Vegan Society – The Rise of Vegan Fashion – found that 48% of British shoppers want more vegan items across all fashion categories and Mintel reported that 57% of British shoppers are trying to make more ethical fashion choices.
Commenting on Leap’s recent certification Senior Marketing Officer at The Vegan Society, Katie Grant, said:
“Leap is a fantastic example of an innovative material, striving to repurpose waste and make vegan products more accessible. We are very excited to be working with a brand that offers an alternative to traditional leather and aims for a future where waste is repurposed. Now with the Vegan Trademark certification, Leap can shout about their vegan credentials with confidence.”
Visit Leap | Beyond Leather to find out more.
Find out more about the Vegan Trademark: The Vegan Trademark | The Vegan Society
