The materials market has been full of planet base vegan leathers. When you try to source a vegan leather for your brand or next sustainable collection, the options from materials market makes confusions.
You must been reads so many articles about the materials LCA, how sustainability it is; how good is for the environmental friendly... but when you decided to develop a vegan leather collection, the actual practical operability is another important factor to take you to next step.
Autron R&D team made and tested a series of bag prototypes by using MIRUM®️, Desserto®️, Apple Skin Leather, Bamboo Leather, Recycled Water-Base PU to help you find out the vegan leather options that suitable for you. Which all of them is available in Autron's materials selection. If you interesting in these materials, click them directly for more informations.
We analyze and score from the practical points as below, summarizing key figures and informations in the form for easier record.
Compositions.
Place of Origins.
Traceability.
Certifications.
Price. (as in prototype bag)
MOQs.
Lead Time for bulk production and sampling.
Performances.
Hand Feel.
Purchasing Flexibility.
Cactus Leather by Desserto®️.
Desserto®️ is a vegan leather made using nopal cactus leaves. There's many brands such as H&M, Fossil and Adidas that had collaborated with Desserto®️ on cactus leather collection. Different Desserto®️ materials article having different percentage composition, Autron's R&D team select 2 most popular signature Desserto®️ cactus leather to make the test and research.
Prototype bag made by Desserto Cactus Leather SKU#ITA-402
Prototype bag made by Desserto Cactus Leather SKU#30001
Compositions as supplier claim.
Desserto SKU#30001: approximately 40% Cactus / 60% Bio PU with 100% Cotton Infused with Cactus.
Desserto SKU#ITA-402: approximately 35% Cactus / 65% Bio PU with Recycled Polyester backing.
Place of Origins.
Desserto®️ have 2 production line, made in Mexico and made in Italy, which can be distinguish from SKU.
Traceability.
Desserto®️ can provide TC of the textile supply company for the backings. For the top layer of the materials, Desserto®️ can provide composition declarations and the Agricert certificate for the organic cactus plantation.
Price. (prototype bag made by Desserto®️)
The materials prices from Desserto®️ are around 50 USD / 40 Euro per LM. In this case we have to consider the materials shipment cost and imported taxes. Roungly 100 LM are costing 1000 USD shipment fee, the imported taxes are unpredictable. Shipment fee and imported taxes bring up the FOB bag cost, for prototype bag quote, we expecting at around 34 USD per bag.
Autron bag sampling with MIRUM started at 185 USD.
MOQs.
Flexible materials MOQs. 200 units bags per color per style at Autron Industry.
Lead Time by using Desserto®️.
Production lead time - 90 days.
Sample lead time - 35 days.
Performances - Squeezing Test
Desserto SKU#ITA-402
I tried to squeezing hard the Desserto SKU#ITA-402 prototype for a few times to simulate daily use, it perfectly pass the test. No wrinkle, crease or trace at all. Which shows the good adhesiveness between the Desserto layer and bag padded layer.
Desserto SKU#30001
Performances - Scratching Test
Desserto SKU#ITA-402
I tried to scratching hard on Desserto SKU#ITA-402 prototype with my fingernail for a dozens times to simulate daily use, it perfectly pass the test. The matte grained finish seems having anti-scratch properties.
Desserto SKU#30001
I tried to scratching hard on Desserto SKU#30001 prototype with my fingernail for a dozens times to simulate daily use, it perfectly pass the test. I didn't see any damage trace on the surface, you don't need to worry about the surface can be easily damage.
Hand Feel and Looks.
Desserto SKU#ITA-402
Matte texture with anti-scratch properties. It have enough of thickness to keep the bags structure while having partly soft hand feel. Proper weight in our prototype bag. However, it still have a certainly of synthetic hand feel.
Great application ability of each kind logo techniques, we suggest stamp, embossed, print label techniques on #ITA-402.
A good option if you looking for matte grain anti-scratch vegan leather, if you can afford its cost.
Desserto SKU#30001
Fine grain and semi-matte texture. It seems due to surface PU layer is thinner, is more easier to cause tiny crease on prototype corner and around the stitches. Proper weight in our prototype bag; less synthetic hand feel.
Purchasing Flexibility.
Desserto®️ is responsive. We can received the sample materials within 2 weeks. However, due to Desserto®️ is ship from Mexico/Italy, there's unpredictable taxes and shipment time and cost, which causing some difficulties on cost, lead time and additional order request.
MIRUM®️
MIRUM by Natrual Fiber Welding is the only one that is 100% plant-based and completely plastic free materials in the market. It means it has no petroleum-based binders, or backers such as PU or PLA. It includes like cotton backing, coconut waste, natural tree rubber, non-toxic colorants, and NFW's proprietary plant base curative. It does use agricultural waste that would otherwise be landfilled or burned, is a non-toxic materials.
Autron's R&D team select 4 most popular signature MIRUM®️ to make the test and let's see how it goes.
Prototype bag made by MIRUM Epsom with Cotton Canvas backing
Prototype bag made by MIRUM Black King with Cotton Canvas backing
Prototype bag made by MIRUM Espresso Off White with Cotton Interlock backing
Prototype bag made by MIRUM Epsom Black with Rice Hall with Cotton Canvas backing
Compositions.
Including cotton backing, coconut waste, natural tree rubber, non-toxic colorants, and NFW's proprietary plant base curative.
Place of Origins.
MIRUM®️ are made in USA.
Traceability.
We are waiting for further confirmation from MIRUM®️.
Price. (prototype bag made by MIRUM®️)
The materials prices from MIRUM®️ are around 50 USD -70 USD per square meter. MOQs 100 square meters.
For sample price are 110 USD per square meter.
n this case we have to consider the materials shipment cost and imported taxes. The imported taxes are unpredictable. Shipment fee and imported taxes bring up the FOB bag cost, for prototype bag quote, we expecting at around 70 USD per bag.
Autron bag sampling with MIRUM started at 235 USD.
MOQs.
100 square meter materials MOQs. 300 units bags per color per style at Autron Industry.
Lead Time by using MIRUM®️.
Production lead time - 95 days.
Sample lead time - 40 days.
Performances - Squeezing Test
MIRUM Epsom
I tried to squeezing hard the prototype for a few times to simulate daily use, it automatic rebounded quickly to original shape and barely can't see any crease. The MIRUM Epsom are extremely elasticity and flexibility. Is hard to damage on daily use condition.
MIRUM Black King
I tried to squeezing hard the prototype for a few times to simulate daily use, it rebounded quickly to original shape and can't see any crease at all. The MIRUM King are extremely elasticity and flexibility. Is hard to damage on daily use condition.
MIRUM Espresso Off White
I tried to squeezing hard the prototype for a few times to simulate daily use, it rebounded quickly to original and can't see any crease at all. The MIRUM Espresso are extremely elasticity and flexibility. Is hard to damage on daily use condition.
MIRUM Epsom Black with Rice Hall
I tried to squeezing hard the prototype for a few times to simulate daily use, it rebounded quickly to original and can't see any crease at all just like other MIRUM. The MIRUM Epsom Black with Rice Hall are extremely elasticity and flexibility. Is hard to damage on daily use condition.
Performances - Scratching Test
MIRUM Epsom
I tried to scratching hard on our MIRUM Epsom prototype with my fingernail for a dozens times to simulate daily use, I did found theres some not obvious nail scratches. I think I scratched some MIRUM coating off the surface, but again, I scratching pretty hard and the scratches is not obvious. Generally acceptable, shouldn't be consider as a deal breaker.
MIRUM King
I tried to scratching hard on our MIRUM King prototype with my fingernail for a dozens times to simulate daily use, I think I scratched some MIRUM coating off the surface. I found the area I scratched are not as shiny as other area, but it seems getting recovery after 24 hours. Generally acceptable, shouldn't be consider as a deal breaker.
MIRUM Espresso Off White
I tried to scratching hard on our MIRUM Espresso prototype with my fingernail for a dozens times to simulate daily use, I did found theres some not obvious nail scratches. I think I scratched some MIRUM coating off the surface, but again, I scratching pretty hard and the scratches is not obvious. Generally acceptable, shouldn't be consider as a deal breaker.
MIRUM Epsom Black with Rice Hall
I tried to scratching hard on our MIRUM Epsom Black with Rice Hall prototype with my fingernail for a dozens times to simulate daily use. This time I found obvious nail scratches. I think I scratched quite of some MIRUM coating off the surface, See the pictures and assess if you can work with it.
Hand Feel and Looks.
MIRUM Epsom
It feels and looks like a completely "vegan leather". Glossy, with some natural elements grains inside of the surface make it looks special.
Thick, elastically and flexible hand feel. Great weight, not light.
The whole prototype feels quick solid though.
Due to its thickness and layer stiffness, stamp or embossed seems a bit hard to apply on Epsom. We will continuing discover other logo methods such as UV printed, other embossed mold and laser etched.
Have certain of water resistance ability.
If you are looking for leather feeling, the MIRUM Epsom may not a good option for you.
MIRUM King
The pebble grain feels and looks elegant.
Glossy and smooth, a solid stiffness hand feel. Great weight, not light.
We think is more suitable for structure bags like prototype.
Due to its thickness and layer stiffness, stamp or embossed seems a bit hard to apply on Epsom. We will continuing discover other logo methods such as UV printed, other embossed mold and laser etched.
Have certain of water resistance ability.
The signature MIRUM grain makes it special.
Espresso Off White
It feels and looks like a completely "vegan leather". Matte and pebble, with some natural elements grains inside of the surface make it looks special.
Solid stiffness hand feel. Great weight, not light.
We think is more suitable for structure bags like prototype.
Due to its thickness and layer stiffness, stamp or embossed seems a bit hard to apply on Epsom. We will continuing discover other logo methods such as UV printed, other embossed mold and laser etched.
If you are looking for leather feeling, the MIRUM Espresso may not a good option for you. Though I think MIRUM is creating it's own hand feel instead of copy leather hand feel.
MIRUM Epsom Black with Rice Hall
Basically it having same feel and looks with MIRUM Espresso Off White, but in glossy version.
Purchasing Flexibility.
MIURM®️ is responsive. We can received the sample materials within 2 weeks. However, due to MIRUM®️ is ship from USA, there's unpredictable taxes and shipment time and cost, which causing some difficulties on cost, lead time and additional order request.
Apple Leather.
Apple Leather is a vegan leather made using apple wastes. We has been launching many apple leather production with our customers. Generally we think the Apple Leather is similar PU constitute with Desserto®️ by using apple wastes instead of cactus leaves. Autron R&D team select a most popular signature Apple leather to make the test and research.
Prototype bag made by Apple Leather SKU#UPPERAPPLE 180 with Vegan Micro Suede backing
Compositions.
Apple Skin SKU#UPPERAPPLE 180: approximately 20% Apple Skin / 30% Bio PU / 50% backing materials.
Place of Origins.
Apple wastes and production are made in China.
Traceability.
Apple Leather can provide TC of the textile supply company for the backings.
Price. (prototype bag made by Apple Skin Leather®)
The materials prices from Desserto®️ are around 23 - 28 USD squre meter. Since is made in China there's no unpredictable materials shipment and imported taxes added to the FOB bag cost, for prototype bag quote, we expecting at around 15.3 USD per bag.
Autron bag sampling with Apple Leather started at 55 USD.
MOQs.
Flexible materials MOQs. 150 units per color per style at Autron Industry.
Lead Time by using Apple Leather.
Production lead time - 60 days.
Sample lead time - 20 days.
Performances - Squeezing Test
Apple Leather SKU#UPPERAPPLE 180
I tried to squeezing hard Apple Leather SKU#UPPERAPPLE 180 prototype for a few times to simulate daily use, there's a little crease happened on the surface but the crease are disappear after 6 hours. I will considering this result as a PASS.
Performances - Scratching Test
Apple Leather SKU#UPPERAPPLE 180
I tried to scratching hard on Apple Leather SKU#UPPERAPPLE 180 prototype with my fingernail for a dozens times to simulate daily use, it perfectly pass the test. I didn't see any damage trace on the surface, you don't need to worry about the surface can be easily damage.
Hand Feel and Looks.
Fine grain and semi-matte texture. A bit light weight in our prototype bag due to 1mm thinner thickness; less synthetic hand feel and feels like a premium bags.
We apply print logo on this Apple Leather prototypes, is applicable and not easy to peeling off. But due to its thinner PU surface layer and Apple Leather is less elasticity, embossed is not a great applicable. Embossed will easily pierce though the PU layer and cause defect.
We will recommend Apple Leather in structure bag shape like prototype.
Purchasing Flexibility.
Flexible and responsive stock check and sampling / bulk production request. We can received sample materials in 3 days, bulk materials within 25 days. Additional order request is responsive.
Bamboo Leather
Bamboo is a vegan leather made using bamboo wastes. Bamboo leather has been a common production materials to Autron's popular brand customers. Its affordable cost, recycled and traceability applicable were popular with brands seeking for plant base vegan leather while having recycled traceability. Autron R&D team select a most popular signature Bamboo leather Bio-623 to make the test and research.
Prototype bag made by Bamboo Leather SKU# BIO-623 with Recycled Polyester backing
Compositions.
60% Recycled Post-Consumer Polyester / 11% Bamboo / 29% Biological Based Water Base Polyurethane (PU) Resin.
Place of Origins.
Bamboo Leather are made in China,
Traceability.
Global Recycled Standard and Transaction Certificate available.
Price. (prototype bag made by Bamboo Leather)
The materials prices from Bamboo Leather® are around 7 - 8 USD per yards. Since is made in China there's no unpredictable materials shipment and imported taxes added to the FOB bag cost, for prototype bag quote, we expecting at around 12.3 USD per bag.
Autron bag sampling with Bamboo Leather started at 45 USD.
MOQs.
300 yards materials MOQs. 500 units per color can mix style at Autron Industry.
Lead Time by using Bamboo Leather.
Production lead time - 70 days.
Sample lead time - 15 days.
Performances - Squeezing Test
Bamboo Leather Bio-623
I tried to squeezing hard the Bamboo Leather Bio-623 prototype for a few times to simulate daily use, it automatic rebounded quickly to original shape and barely can't see any crease. The Bamboo Leather Bio-623 are light and soft while keeping its durability.
Performances - Scratching Test
Bamboo Leather Bio-623
I tried to scratching hard on our Bamboo Leather Bio-623 prototype with my fingernail for a dozens times to simulate daily use, I did found theres some nail scratches. I think its because of Bio-623 is a smooth plain surface. But the scratches are disappear after 18 hours. Generally is acceptable and we are giving it a PASS.
Hand Feel and Looks.
Bamboo Leather Bio-623
Plain, smooth and glossy. The weight is light and you did feels there's a coating on the materials surface. A bit synthetic hand feel due to the surface is still PU layer.
We apply print logo on this Bamboo leather prototypes, is applicable and not easy to peeling off. This specific bamboo leather is applicable for each kind of logo techniques, such as relief, embossed, stamp.,etc
We will recommend Bamboo leather for both soft causal bags such as HOBO, TOTE or structure shape bags. Soft bag will be the best fit though.
Purchasing Flexibility.
Flexible and responsive stock check and sampling / bulk production request. We can received sample materials in 3 days, bulk materials within 25 days. Additional order request is responsive.
Recycled Water Base PU.
Recycled Water Base PU is a solvent-free PU with Recycled Polyester backing. Recycled Water Base PU has been a common sustainable PU option for Autron customer brands who seeking for leather alternative vegan materials. While being animal welfare, less chemically and could being more affordable compare with their current leather collection. Autron R&D team select a most popular signature Recycled Water Base PU S933 to make the test and research.
Prototype bag made by Recycled Water Base PU SKU# S933 with Recycled Polyester backing
Compositions.
58% Recycled Polyester / 37% Water Based Polyurethane / 5% Kaolin.
Place of Origins.
Recycled Water Base PU are made in China.
Traceability.
Global Recycled Standard and Transaction Certificate available.
Price. (prototype bag made by Recyled Water Base PU)
The materials prices from Recycled Water Base PU are around 6 - 7 USD per yards. Since is made in China there's no unpredictable materials shipment and imported taxes added to the FOB bag cost, for prototype bag quote, we expecting at around 11.9 USD per bag.
Autron bag sampling with Recycled Water Base PU started at 45 USD.
MOQs.
300 yards materials MOQs. 500 units per color can mix style at Autron Industry.
Lead Time by using Recycled Water Base PU.
Production lead time - 70 days.
Sample lead time - 15 days.
Performances - Squeezing Test
Recycled Water Base PU SKU#S933
I tried to squeezing hard the Recycled Water Base PU SKU# S933 prototype for a few times to simulate daily use, is soft and slowly recover to original shape and can't see any crease at all. Recycled Water Base PU are light and extremely soft while keeping its durability.
Performances - Scratching Test
Recycled Water Base PU SKU#S933
I tried to scratching hard on our Recycled Water Base PU prototype with my fingernail for a dozens times to simulate daily use, I did found theres some nail scratches. I think its because of Bio-623 is a smooth plain Nappa surface. But the scratches are disappear after minutes. Is acceptable and we are giving it a PASS.
Hand Feel and Looks.
Recycled Water Base PU SKU#S933
Semi-Matte, smooth and soft Nappa hand feels and looks. You can see it as a matte version Bamboo leather Bio-623. Proper weight.
We apply print logo on this Bamboo leather prototypes, is applicable and not easy to peeling off. This specific Recycled Water Base PU is applicable for each kind of logo techniques, such as relief, embossed, stamp.,etc
We will recommend Recycled Water Base PU for both soft causal bags such as HOBO, TOTE or structure shape bags. Ask Autron team to get more other collection pictures and advise.
Purchasing Flexibility.
Flexible and responsive stock check and sampling / bulk production request. We can received sample materials in 3 days, bulk materials within 25 days. Additional order request is responsive.
Autron will continue with more vegan leather option researches and development.
