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OUR MATERIALS

More than obvious, it immediately seemed necessary and fundamental to us that our creations do not contain any product of animal origin.

 

Not using leather is a way of fighting against animal exploitation and suffering on the one hand and against the environmental, human and social issues associated with conventional tanning on the other.

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CORK

The cork we use is harvested and processed in Portugal in a responsible way. No cork oak is cut down or damaged during the delicate stripping process: the first bark of the cork oak is removed, and the tree is left to regenerate quietly for nine years before the next harvest.

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This naturally strong and waterproof material does not contain polyurethane and is mounted on a canvas made from recycled cotton and polyester.

It is PETA - VEGAN APPROVED and OEKO-TEX certified.

 

For thousands of years, cork has been woven into the history of humanity. And that's no coincidence!

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This material has many advantages:

  • Eco-responsible and sustainable: it comes from the outer layer of the cork oak, harvested without cutting down trees. This ancestral harvest even stimulates the tree's ability to absorb CO2, contributing to the fight against climate change.

  • Soft and resistant: contrary to its sometimes rough image, cork is surprisingly pleasant to the touch. It is also solid and resistant to wear and tear, guaranteeing the longevity of your furniture.

  • Naturally waterproof.

  • A rich heritage: the first traces of its use date back to Egyptian tombs! The Greeks and Romans already used it to make fishing floats, sandals and bottle stoppers!

  • Easy to clean: a simple soft, damp cloth is enough to keep it looking its best.

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VEGEA®

VEGEA has succeeded in giving waste a second life with Grape Skin.

 

This innovative material, made from the remains of grapes from Italian winemaking, is gaining popularity thanks to its unique properties:

  • Elegant and refined: With its soft texture and subtle tones, Grape Skin offers a modern and sophisticated look.

  • Timeless: More than a slogan, a proven reality! And above all, tested in practice: I have been wearing Grape Skin sneakers every day for over a year and they are still in perfect condition!

  • Easy to clean: A simple soft, damp cloth is enough to keep the material spotless.

  • Water resistant and can be waterproofed.

  • Value creation from waste: Grape residues, which are normally thrown away, are transformed into a valuable raw material.

  • Ecological process: The production process consumes little energy and water and generates no toxic waste.

  • Circular and responsible: Grape Skin is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified and meets the strictest standards in terms of recycling and environmental awareness.
     

The production:

  1. Collection of waste: Skins, seeds, residues.

  2. Grinding of waste and mixing with grape seed oil and water-based polyurethane to form a thick paste. 
    Water-based polyurethane is a more ecological alternative to traditional polyurethane. It has the following advantages:

  • Reduced energy and water consumption: The water-based polyurethane manufacturing process requires less energy and water than traditional polyurethane, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint.

  • Fewer harmful substances: The solvents used in water-based polyurethane are less toxic than those found in traditional polyurethane, offering better protection for health and the environment.

  • Better for workers: Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are also reduced with water-based polyurethane, improving working conditions in manufacturing plants.

3.  Addition of vegetable dye to the paste which is then spread on a recycled polyester fabric and compressed with a roller to form a soft, grainy material reminiscent of leather.

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VEGEA® is composed of 55% grape marc and 45% water-based PU and is mounted on a recycled polyester fabric. It is certified by REACH, GRS and PETA - VEGAN APPROVED.

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FABRICS

The fabrics used for the linings are all made in Europe, 100% cotton and OEKO-TEX® certified.

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ZIPPERS

We use products of the brand Kroko® for several reasons:

 

  • They are made in Belgium in their factory located in Kortrijk

  • Their strength: very resistant, they are used in particular in the industry of work clothes and shoes in equipment for the emergency and military services.

  • Their products meet the most stringent standards, such as DIN, BS, NFG, OEKO-TEX® and others.

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