FABRICS
At Estimon, we put great effort into the materials we use. We care not only for animals, but also for our planet. That’s why we don’t want to use “eco-leather”, which is not really “eco” at all.
We make all bags from vegan, plant-based materials, containing at least 70% of a plant base and produced in the European Union.
Corn leather
This innovative material made of corn and wheat fiberscontains as much as 70-74% of biomass, i.e. plant raw materials. The main material is viscose derived from well-managed forests and bio-polyols from renewable resources from European GMO-free, non-food and non-GMO corn and wheat crops. The corn material is quite stiff and retains its form very well.
CERTIFICATES
The fabric is OEKO-TEX certified, which guarantees that it does not emit substances harmful to human health, making it a safe to use product.
It is also approved by LAV as a product free from animal substances (just like us!) and by PETA.
It is also USDA certified (certifying that it is a product of biological origin) and FSC – a sign of responsible forestry in connection with the use of viscose from well-managed forests.
PROPERTIES
Corn leather is very resistant to abrasion and dirt.
Its texture and behavior in use closely resemble animal skin. It is also smart, which means that even if it changes its structure for a moment due to weight or being touched by a sharp object, it will return to its original structure thanks to the elasticity of the fibers.
It ages very well. It doesn’t crack, it doesn’t crumble, it may fade over time, but we have a solution! If this happens, simply treat the area with a stream of warm air, e.g. from a hair dryer.
CARE
This material is undemanding – just wipe any dirt with a damp cloth and a small amount of natural soap. Once a season, you can grease the bag – e.g. with olive oil or natural oil.
CORN LEATHER CERTIFICATES
Vegea® Grape Leather
The manufacturer of this innovative material is Vegea®, – together with Italian wineries, they have developed a process of valorization of grape waste from wine production – so all grape skins and seeds that were previously thrown away now have a new, innovative use.
The production process is free from toxic solvents, heavy metals and substances hazardous to humans and the environment. The grape material is soft, malleable and waterproof.
The waste from the production of 2 bottles of wine is enough to create one grape skin bag!
CERTIFICATES
Vegea® is GRS certified (Global Recycled Standard) and complies with the most stringent European regulations(REACH).
They also received the Global Change Award.
The dyes that are used to dye grape leather are GOTS certified – which means that no toxic substances are released during this process.
PROPERTIES
The grape material is waterproof and flexible. Bags made of this material can be easily washed in a washing machine! It does not crack or crumble. Even after several years of use and washing in the washing machine, it looks like new!
Grape leather is very resistant to any abrasions or abrasions.
It retains its soft form, making it perfect for handbags.
CARE
Grape leather is extremely durable. You can easily soak it or expose it to the sun.
If it gets dirty, just wipe it with soap and water,
and in more severe cases – a washing machine!
GRAPE LEATHER CERTIFICATES
Olive leather
Olive leather is made out of waste from olive oil production. Powdered seeds and peels are the basis of this flexible fabric with a delicate saffiano structure. Olive leather has over 70% of bio-based content. Its production also uses, among others, organic cotton.
PROPERTIES
Olive leather is quite soft, but holds its shape. Thanks to its structure, it does not get dirty easily. You can bend it and it will return to its original shape. It does not crack or crumble. In terms of stiffness, it is an intermediate stage between the rather stiff, form-holding corn leather and the very soft, malleable grape leather.
CARE
Again, caring for the material, just as with other plant-based leathers, is pretty minimal. All you need is a wet cloth and some soap. For minor dirt use water only. Remember not to use any chemical cleaners – plant-based leather don’t like them! 🙂
Mushroom leather
Mushroom leather is laboratory-based. The main substance is mycelium – it’s cultivated and fed with yeast and bacteria. It is then combined with so-called binders (e.g. in this case, biobase from corn), which results in a very sustainable material.
PROPERTIES
Mushroom leather is soft and flexible, but also extremely versatile. When stiffened, it can easily hold its form. It does not crack or crumble. It has a delicate texture.
CARE
As with other plant-based leathers we use, caring for the material is very simple. All you need is a cloth soaked in water. It is important not to use chemical cleaners for plant-based materials – they do not have the chemicals that animal leather has, they simply do not like chemicals 🙂
