VFR’s Vegan Fashion Directory Update: August 2025

At Vegan Fashion Repository, we’re committed to tracking the evolution of vegan fashion by regularly updating our Directory with the latest material innovations shaping a cruelty-free future.

Our Directory is a living resource where users can explore vegan fashion brands and pioneering material developers from around the world—whether seeking local designers or global leaders driving change.

Coming right after Plastic Free July, this month’s update is especially exciting: every addition is either 100% plastic-free or made from over 90% biobased content.

We’ve added 10 remarkable materials across four categories:

♻️ 1 plastic,
⚗️ 1 chemicals,
🧶 1 cotton and
👜 7 leather alternatives.

From plant-based leathers to biodegradable fabrics and chemicals, these new entries reflect the industry’s accelerating shift toward renewable, responsible, and fully vegan solutions.

In August 2025, we added the following textiles, fibers & chemicals:

♻️ Plastic Alternative

BioCir®x (Israel)

BioCir®x is an injection molding material made from 95–100% bio-based polymers derived from PHA through bacterial fermentation. It is biodegradable in compost, marine, and soil environments. Designed to replace petroleum-based materials like PP and ABS, BioCir®x is rigid, impact-resistant, and compatible with conventional injection molding equipment. It is suitable for use in eyewear, accessories, toys, and automotive parts.

⚗️ Chemicals Alternative

ORGANIC NANOCARBO™ (Ukraine)

ORGANIC NANOCARBO™ is a fine-dispersed filler made from micronized walnut shell layers. It is fully biodegradable and non-toxic, designed to improve the adhesion, elasticity, durability, and color stability of vegan leather materials. The natural pigments in walnut shells, such as β-Carotene and Lycopene, contribute to UV resistance and color performance. ORGANIC NANOCARBO™ integrates easily into existing production lines without additional equipment.

🧶 Cotton Alternative

Piñayarn® (UK)

Piñayarn® is a 100% plant-based yarn made from waste pineapple leaves, therefore requiring no extra land, water, or pesticides to grow and harvest. The fibres are extracted and blended with other plant-based fibres in a closed-loop, zero-waste process using dry spinning technology, without harmful chemicals or water. Utilisting agricultural waste helps avoid burning waste leaves, preventing up to 6 kg of CO₂ emissions per 1 kg of yarn. Piñayarn is naturally breathable, compostable, and biodegradable, and is suitable for woven and jersey fabrics, footwear, apparel, and accessories.

👜 Leather Alternatives

ELEVATE® (USA)

ELEVATE® is a leather alternative made from grains and plant-based materials. The structure consists of a plant-based fabric backing, a grain-based core, and an optional BioPU topcoat (0–1% content). Also available in plastic-free version or with minimal coating. No tanning required. Fully scaled, ELEVATE® can be produced in rolls up to 2000 meters within days and is intended to match the durability and feel of traditional leather.

EPHEA™ (Italy)

EPHEA™ is a mycelium-based material grown through controlled cultivation, offering lightweight, durable, and flexible alternative for leather goods, accessories, and apparel. It can be customized in texture, color, and finish and integrates with existing leather supply chains. Production uses low-value resources and low energy, reducing water use, land use, and CO₂ emissions. Types include semi-finished (Pure Mycelium, Radicle, Socotra) and finished (Willow, Monstera, Magnolia, Betulla).

LOVR™ (Germany)

LOVR™ is a biodegradable and recycleable material made from hemp agricultural residues, developed with a focus on circularity. The material is durable due to its single-layer structure and offers high resistance to abrasion, heat, and tensile stress, making it suitable for use in footwear, automotive, and accessories. LOVR™ is plastic-free and uses non-synthetic pigments for coloring. It can be molded, laminated, sewn, and finished in various textures and colors. Fully scaled.

MATTR™ (Germany)

MATTR™ is a biodegradable material made from algae, a fast-growing and low-impact renewable resource. It is plastic-free and contains no synthetic additives (neither PU nor PVC). MATTR™ is soft, flexible, and stretchable (up to 30%, depending on backing), while maintaining durability and abrasion resistance. Algae used in its production can grow in saltwater or wastewater, reducing freshwater use and thus minimizing environmental impact and resources required.

Myco™ (Canada)

Myco™ is a material made from mycelium (the root system of fungi), grown on by-products from agriculture and forestry. It is free from plastic and toxic chemicals, and fully biodegradable under the right conditions. Myco™ is developed to match the look and properties of traditional leather, while using less water and energy and generating lower carbon emissions than traditional leather.

PHLYDE (USA)

PHLYDE is a plant-based material made from upcycled fruits and vegetables. It is plastic-free and produced entirely in Italy. The diverse color range is developed from natural sources such as algae, spirulina, beet, and charcoal, without the use of synthetic dyes. PHLYDE is developed through collaboration between scientists, designers, and artisans, with a focus on reducing food waste.

SHIRINGA (Peru)

Shiringa bioleather is made from harvested latex of wild Amazonian shiringa (rubber) trees, collected without cutting the trees down. The latex is combined with a proprietary Caxacori Studio formula, spread on a cotton base, and pigmented with natural fibers from food and agricultural waste. Harvesting latex helps preserving forests, supports Amazonian native communities with fair-trade income, and produces a soft, flexible, and durable material suitable for fashion industry standards. Shiringa is biodegradable, recyclable by mechanical means, and free from PVC and toxic inputs..

If your vegan brand or textile/fabric isn’t yet featured in our Directory, feel free to contact us at hello@veganfashionrepository.com