It’s widely known that the popular retail chain, H&M, strives to incorporate more sustainable garments to its inventory through the H&M Conscious Collection. Each item in the eco-friendly line contains at least 50% sustainable materials including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and recycled wool among many others. In fact, a new type of leather is next in line. On March 26th, H&M is releasing vegan leather handbags and shoes made from wine waste!
You’re probably wondering, “How the heck do you make leather from wine?!” Well, according to an article from Plant Based News, a sustainable Italian company, Vegea, creates this innovative material using the seeds, skin, and stalks of grapes which are all wine industry byproducts. H&M is one of several clothing brands actively trying to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s often forgotten that some recycled materials still produce environmental side-effects due to microplastics and lack of biodegradability. In a Vogue article, H&M’s sustainability manager explains the company’s desire to produce more bio-based, rather than recycled, materials as they’re more holistic and have a longer-lasting, more positive environmental impact. Wine leather is surely a remarkable and progressive means of accomplishing that goal.
So, embrace your inner wine mom — enjoy your wine while simultaneously contributing to the creation of this sustainable leather alternative! While you’re at it, sport your new wine leather handbag from H&M! But all joking aside, let’s push for other fashion brands to adopt this way of thinking and its eco-friendly innovations sooner than later. H&M has got the right idea!