From pineapples to tarps: Explore the brands revolutionising non-Leather handbags

You may have already explored the world of leather handbags in our previous article, but did you know there’s a whole range of fantastic non-leather options out there? From innovative plant-based materials to upcycled fabrics, these brands from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany are pushing the boundaries of handbag design. If you’re looking to explore stylish alternatives to leather, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into these exciting possibilities!

Belgium: Cruelty-Free Fashion with Timeless Style

Lies Mertens has expanded her line to include fully vegan options. Her bags, produced in Italy and Tunisia, use innovative materials such as apple leather (derived from apple waste) and other plant-based alternatives. These designs maintain the minimalistic aesthetic she’s known for but without the use of any animal products.

Based in Ghent, La Femme Garniture creates colourful, knitted handbags using a 100% merino wool. While some models feature leather handles, the core focus of their collection revolves around unique, fabric-based designs.

The Netherlands: Circular Fashion Pioneers

Studio Macnas is all about upcycling and creativity. They repurpose fabrics and other rescued textiles, as well as innovative materials and vegan leather replacements such as cactus leather, transforming them into unique handbags. Their non-leather designs are a reflection of their commitment to using materials that are both artistic and responsible.

Freitag’s iconic bags are made from recycled truck tarps, giving each bag its own story and unique pattern. While not all Freitag bags are vegan, they have a range of products that are free of animal-derived materials, making them a favourite among those seeking rugged, eco-conscious designs.

Sold at their store in Rotterdam, FREITAG STORE DÜSSELDORF BY SELEKTEUR, Freedom Dendermonde, and Freedom Aalst

Koda Amsterdam is known for using a variety of upcycled materials, such as leftover curtain fabric, upholstery, and tent canvas. These fabrics, which would otherwise be discarded, are repurposed into distinctive, circular bags. While some designs include leather handles, KODA offers many fully vegan options using purely fabric materials.

Fraenck uses upcycled sailcloth and recycled banners as well as deadstock to craft their 100% vegan handbags. These materials not only reduce waste but also create unique and sturdy designs, perfectly suited to both casual and more formal occasions.

Germany: Craftsmanship and Innovation

Bolsos Berlin uses a variety of eco-conscious materials in their handbags, such as upcycled tarpaulins and sails. These plant-based alternatives offer a cruelty-free and innovative approach to handbag design.

Green Knit focuses on using 100% recycled nylon yarn to craft non-leather bags using pioneering 3D knitting technology. Their goal is to combine thoughtful material choices with practical, stylish designs that are suitable for everyday wear.

UPcycle by fairhaus is a German brand that uses recycled materials to create their vegan handbags. They transform items like Tour de France banners, old fire hoses, and wood from packaging into functional and stylish accessories, avoiding the use of any animal-derived products in the process.

PLUP (Planet Upcycling) specialises in crafting vegan handbags made from discarded textiles. Their sleek designs focus on functionality, offering a circular yet durable alternative to traditional handbags.

Fyksin is known for their use of upcycled PVC advertising banners to create their stylish handbags. Their approach to material innovation reflects a commitment to reducing waste while maintaining a modern and clean aesthetic.

Soulgoods focuses on using upcycled materials such as truck tarpaulin and recycled gym mats to craft their handbags. They ensure that their products are not only cruelty-free but also produced with consideration of their environmental impact.

WESEN store houses a few brands that sell non-leather handbags. One of them is Pinqponq; the brand creates handbags from recycled polyester, contributing to reduction of waste.

Artelusa is another cork-based brand, known for its eco-conscious designs. They source high-quality cork from Portugal, using it to craft lightweight and durable bags that have a distinct, earthy aesthetic.

Supermarche is another store that houses a few brands that sell non-leather handbags. One of them being MELAWEAR; MELAWEAR uses organic cotton to create their line of handbags. All materials are ethically sourced, empowering communities in India, offering a vegan and responsible option for fashion lovers.

8beaufort.hamburg makes handbags from upcycled sailcloth. These rugged and durable bags are handmade in Hamburg, each carrying the unique history of the sail it was crafted from. No two bags are exactly alike, ensuring a one-of-a-kind piece for every customer.

Nordlicht offers non-leather handbags made from  ​“kraft paper” developed from plant fibres and solidified with latex. These materials combine to create practical yet stylish bags that are perfect for everyday use, all while aligning with values of resource-conscious design.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Handbag Design

From Belgium’s artistic designs to the creative reuse of materials in the Netherlands and Germany, these brands are redefining non-leather handbags. Each brand showcases their dedication to innovative materials like Piñatex, cork, and upcycled textiles, giving you plenty of options to explore.