What is a Vegan Bag?

A vegan bag is a bag that contains absolutely no animal-derived materials. This includes leather, fur, wool, silk, and even certain glues or dyes that might come from animals. The main objective is to offer an ethical and animal-friendly alternative, without compromising on style or quality.

More than just the absence of leather: a global ethical approach

The term "vegan bag" goes beyond the mere absence of leather. It encompasses a philosophy that prioritizes animal welfare and, increasingly, environmental sustainability. At Lubay, this approach is at the heart of every creation, by selecting innovative and respectful materials.

Why choose a vegan bag?

Choosing a vegan bag means making a conscious choice for several reasons:

• Animal ethics: This is the main reason. By opting for a vegan bag, you help reduce the demand for animal products and, consequently, limit animal exploitation.

• Environmental impact: Traditional leather production is often resource-intensive in terms of water, energy, and toxic chemicals. Vegan alternatives, particularly those made from biomaterials, tend to have a lower environmental footprint.

• Innovation and diversity: The market for vegan materials is booming. New materials are regularly emerging, offering unexpected textures, finishes, and performances, thus allowing for a great diversity of designs.

• Quality and durability: Contrary to popular belief, many vegan materials are extremely resistant, durable, and easy to care for, rivalling animal leather.

Materials of vegan bags: innovation at the service of ethics

Far from clichés about poor quality "faux leather", the world of vegan materials is now rich in innovations. At Lubay, the focus is on premium alternatives, developed with a commitment to quality and ethics and manufactured in Europe.

Plant-based and bio-sourced alternatives

Manufacturers are competing in ingenuity to create materials from renewable resources:

• Leap® (apple-based): Developed by Beyond Leather and manufactured in Germany, Leap® is a perfect example of this innovation. 91% bio-based certified by the USDA and vegan labeled by the Vegan Society, it transforms apple waste into a material with unique properties, offering a warm and luminous feel.

• Cork: This ancient material, harvested in Portugal without felling trees, is naturally waterproof, lightweight, and very resistant. It is PETA – Vegan Approved and OEKO-TEX® certified, and its cultivation promotes CO₂ capture. A durable and ethical choice that combines comfort and resistance.

• Grape Skin® - VEGEA (grape residue-based): Manufactured in Italy, this material gives a second life to waste from wine production. Flexible, textured, and resistant, it is made with 55% recycled grape pomace and certified REACH, GRS (Global Recycled Standard), and PETA – Vegan Approved.

• Piñatex® (pineapple fiber-based): Robust with a unique texture, Piñatex® is made from pineapple leaf fibers, offering a natural and high-performing alternative.

The importance of transparency and terminology

It is crucial to name things correctly. The expression "vegan leather" is a lexical oxymoron, because leather, by definition, is of animal origin. Using precise terms to describe materials is a guarantee of transparency and honesty towards the consumer. At Lubay, you will find the specific names of the materials used (Leap®, Grape Skin®, Cork, Piñatex®) for clear and accurate information. We have also written an article on this subject which you can find here.

Lubay and vegan bags: alliance of luxury and commitment

At Lubay, each bag demonstrates that contemporary aesthetics and genuine commitment can meet with exacting standards and precision. The bags are designed and manufactured in Belgium, using carefully selected vegan materials from Europe, with respect for workers and the environment.

By choosing a Lubay bag, you opt for:

• A minimalist and timeless design: Sophisticated lines and intense or luminous colors.

• Innovative and ethical materials: Grape Skin®, Leap®, Cork, Piñatex®, all chosen for their quality, origin, and respectful manufacturing process.

• European craftsmanship: Manufacturing in Belgium and the selection of materials designed in Europe guarantee traceability and high standards.

• A commitment to accurate wording: No "vegan leather", but precise names for each material, reflecting the brand's transparency.

To learn more about our materials, click here.

And to discover our vegan bags made in Belgium, click here.