OUR VEGAN NEXT-GEN MATERIALS
Lubay is a Belgian vegan bag brand.
All our bags are designed and made in Belgium.
In our studio-atelier, each piece is created using carefully selected vegan next-gen materials sourced in the European Union, with no ingredients of animal origin.
We prioritise innovative materials such as Leap® and Grape Skin®, along with European components (linings, zippers, structural fabrics), chosen for their consistency, performance and production transparency.
This page presents the main materials used in our vegan bags made in Belgium, and explains how they are integrated into our contemporary design approach.
1. Our approach to vegan next-gen materials
Lubay has worked exclusively with non-animal materials since its inception.
Over time, our selection has focused on European vegan next-gen materials, in line with the way we design and manufacture each bag in Belgium.
Three principles guide this approach:
a. Contemporary aesthetics
Fine textures, precise structure and depth of colour: the materials we select support our design language. They allow controlled volumes, a balanced carry and a restrained visual expression, free from unnecessary effects.
b. Performance and everyday use
We prioritise materials designed for real-life use: resistance to wear, consistency over time, carrying comfort and ease of care. The objective is simple—bags that are worn frequently, with confidence, across different contexts.
c. European traceability & coherence with Belgian manufacturing
We select materials produced within the European Union, paying close attention to their composition, certifications and the reliability of their producers.
This requirement echoes our model: a Belgian vegan bag brand, with all bags made in Belgium and every step followed within our studio-atelier.
2. Leap® – Vegan next-gen material made from apple waste
Origin & production
Leap® is a vegan next-gen material developed by Beyond Leather in Denmark and produced in Germany.
It is made from European apple waste, notably from juice and cider production, repurposed instead of being treated as residual by-products.
Composition & certifications
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91% bio-based content, certified by the USDA
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Certified by The Vegan Society
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No ingredients of animal origin
Leap® is structured through several complementary layers:
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a textile backing,
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a blend based on apple waste,
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a finishing layer providing structure, feel and protection.
Properties & benefits for our bags
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Premium appearance
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Very good resistance to everyday use
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Comfortable carry and pleasant surface feel
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Reduced environmental impact compared to conventional petroleum-based or animal-derived materials (notably in water use and CO₂ emissions, based on the manufacturer’s internal data)
Leap® at Lubay
From March 2025 onwards, Leap® becomes part of our material selection for vegan bags made in Belgium.
It fits naturally into our approach:
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a European vegan next-gen material,
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clear traceability,
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coherence with our contemporary design language and Belgian manufacturing.
3. Grape Skin® – Italian vegan material made from grape residues
Origin & producer’s vision
Grape Skin® is a material developed and produced in Italy by VEGEA, a company based in Milan.
Their objective is to create plant-based alternatives to fully petroleum-derived materials, by combining chemistry and agriculture within a unified approach.
Material made from grape residues
Grape Skin® gives new value to residues from wine production (grape skins, seeds and other by-products).
Combined with vegetal oils and other plant-based and recycled components, these elements are transformed into a coated textile material suitable for various applications, including vegan bags.
Properties & certifications
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Vegan material, free from animal ingredients
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High content of plant-based and recycled materials
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GRS certified (Global Recycled Standard)
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Compliant with the most stringent European regulations (REACH)
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Produced in Italy
Texture & behaviour
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Supple texture, grained or smoother depending on finishes
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Soft touch with subtle visual depth
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Resistant to wear and water (can be additionally protected with suitable products)
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Easy care: in most cases, a soft, slightly damp cloth is sufficient
Grape Skin® at Lubay
We use Grape Skin® for vegan bags and accessories made in Belgium when we are looking for:
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a material with a strong visual identity,
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a pleasant tactile quality,
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coherence with our approach to plant-based and recycled materials.
4. Natural cork – A material gradually phased out
Natural cork was long part of our core material selection.
We designed several models using cork harvested in Portugal without cutting down trees: only the bark is removed, allowing the tree to regenerate.
Its qualities remain relevant:
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lightweight,
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soft to the touch,
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resistant,
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naturally water-repellent,
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certified PETA – Vegan Approved and OEKO-TEX® when combined with an appropriate backing.
Today, however, our selection increasingly focuses on other vegan next-gen materials such as Leap® and Grape Skin®, which better align with the evolution of our formal language and technical requirements.
A limited number of cork pieces remain available in our collection.
They reflect an important stage in Lubay’s development, while gradually giving way to new materials.
5. Linings, fabrics and European components
Beyond the visible materials, we apply the same level of attention to every component of a Lubay bag.
a. Linings & fabrics
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Linings produced in Europe
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100% cotton, OEKO-TEX® certified
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Since March 2025, also GOTS certified
These fabrics contribute to carrying comfort, bag structure and overall coherence.
They are selected for their stability, feel and ability to support everyday use without compromise.
b. Zippers
Our zippers are produced in Belgium, in a factory located in Kortrijk.
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Designed for intensive use (workwear, footwear, equipment for emergency and military services)
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Tested according to demanding standards (DIN, BS, NFG, OEKO-TEX® and others)
They contribute directly to the durability and reliability of our vegan bags made in Belgium.
c. Other components
Other elements (reinforcements, structural fabrics, threads, hardware) follow the same logic:
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European sourcing,
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clear traceability,
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coherence with our materials and our fully Belgian manufacturing process.
6. Coherence between materials, design and manufacturing
Our vegan next-gen materials are not an isolated feature.
They are part of a global approach in which every bag is designed, developed and made in our studio-atelier in Belgium.
This continuity allows:
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a clear vision of each model, from initial design to the worn bag,
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volume development consistent with our design language,
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material choices aligned with real-life use and everyday carry.
Lubay remains faithful to its line:
a Belgian vegan bag brand that brings together contemporary design, European vegan next-gen materials and factual commitment.