Traditional leather production significantly harms the environment, requiring large amounts of water and energy, and releasing harmful chemicals that pollute soil and water. The demand for livestock also leads to deforestation and biodiversity loss, worsening the ecological crisis. With growing global awareness of sustainability, finding eco-friendly alternatives has become essential. The innovative use of reusable materials like apple waste to create leather alternatives is particularly important.

Recently, the fashion and leather industries have sought solutions to reduce their environmental impact. A notable advancement is converting apple waste into leather alternatives, which helps minimize waste and promotes sustainability in an industry criticized for resource-intensive practices.

The Danish company Beyond Leather Materials has partnered with polymer producer Covestro to develop an innovative leather alternative made from apple waste generated during the production of apple juice and cider.

From Waste to High-End Material

Every year, approximately 4 million tons of waste are produced globally from apple juice and cider production. This waste is often viewed as a useless burden, ultimately discarded or burned, leading to significant resource waste and environmental pollution. However, Beyond Leather Materials has creatively transformed these previously discarded materials into an eco-friendly leather alternative—a new type of leather material—through innovative technology.

They begin by filtering out fibers such as seeds and stems from the apple waste, which contain high levels of polymers. This is followed by a series of reactions to create a strong and flexible material, which is then combined with a textile base layer. Finally, a protective layer produced by Covestro is applied to the surface.

Beyond Leather has positioned this material as a preferred new-generation option for various industries and applications, including the backpack industry and furniture sector. In the near future, this material may even be used in automotive interiors.

At Synberry, we are always focused on sustainable development and environmental innovation. We are confident in this emerging material that transforms apple waste into leather alternatives and see its enormous potential in the backpack industry. In the future, we plan to explore the application of this eco-friendly material in our products, creating backpacks that are both stylish and sustainable, meeting the dual demands of modern consumers for environmental friendliness and high quality. Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to protecting the Earth while providing our customers with more innovative choices.

Cork Leather: The Perfect Blend of Sustainability and Style

Cork leather is a material made from the bark of cork oak trees, which offers natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable qualities. In recent years, as environmental awareness grows, cork leather has become increasingly popular in the fashion industry, especially in backpacks, footwear, and accessories. This material combines the beauty and texture of traditional leather with additional environmental benefits.

 

The Making of Cork Leather

The process of making cork leather begins with the harvesting of cork bark. The bark is carefully stripped from the tree, without harming it. After being cleaned, dried, and compressed, the bark undergoes specialized processing to create leather-like material suitable for making a wide range of products. This sustainable process not only ensures high-quality products but also helps protect the environment.

 

Features of Cork Leather

Cork leather is preferred by many designers and consumers due to its natural texture and lightweight properties. It is both durable and has a unique aesthetic, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather because its production process has a smaller environmental footprint. Moreover, cork leather’s water resistance and durability make it a popular choice for backpacks and other daily use items. Due to its breathability and antibacterial properties, cork leather is also favored for creating comfortable and health-conscious products.

At Synberry, we are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable backpacks and accessories. We prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials and actively follow innovations in sustainable materials within the backpack industry. As a company with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing, we strive to blend environmental consciousness with stylish design, pushing the industry forward. Cork leather, as an innovative material, perfectly aligns with our commitment to sustainability and fashion quality.