It’s quite a punch when bags can not only carry fruit, but also be made from it. Repurposing production waste from the food industry – or any waste – is high on global agendas right now (political climate aside) and will only become more essential as overconsumption shows no signs of slowing down.
This week, we’ve selected bags made from leathers created with fruit waste – apple, grape, corn, and cactus (all right, the last two are technically not fruits, but delicious plants nonetheless). Made by brands that value animal and environmental welfare as much as they value traditional craftsmanship and local production, these pieces are as cool as they are ethical – for the animals and for Mother Earth.
You’re all welcome.
Burgundy Mimosa Tote by Alénore (France)
Main material: apple leather
Alénore is a French brand founded by two long-time friends, Anne-Laure and Noémie, who set out to create practical, elegant bags without animal products. Every piece is crafted in France using apple-based leather and durable cotton lining, with hardware made in Italy. The brand works closely with a heritage-certified workshop and focuses on small, thoughtful production runs. Alénore’s materials are chosen for their lower impact – upcycled apple waste, water-based dyes, and certified threads – while transparency and careful sourcing guide every step of the process.
Regular price: €262,50
Panthera Maxi Beige by Sentient (Mexico)
Main material: cactus leather
Founded in Mexico City by activist and designer Jimena García, SENTIENT makes sculptural vegan handbags using cactus leather (Desserto®), MIRUM®, Oleatex®, and apple leather. Each bag is crafted in small batches by Mexican artisans using traditional techniques. The women-led, PETA-Approved brand is part of 1% for the Planet and prioritises ethical production and innovative, animal-free materials.
Regular price: €164,00
Pomona Black by Blumi (Poland)
Main material: corn leather
Founded in 2023, BLUMI creates elegant vegan handbags using corn and grape leather combined with recycled linings (Seaqual®). All bags are handmade in Poland in small batches, using locally sourced and certified fabrics to reduce environmental impact. The brand champions ethical production, plastic-free packaging, and supports animal rights by donating 1% of profits to Open Cages. Certified by OEKO-TEX®, GRS, USDA Biobased, and Animal-Free.
Regular price: €320,00
Brigitte Oxymore Uppeal™ camel bag by Ashoka Paris (France)
Main material: apple leather
Ashoka Paris, a Parisian brand named after Ashoka – the first vegetarian emperor of India, who banned the killing of animals for meat – has been renowned for its fabulous faux-fur outerwear since 2018 and has since expanded into clothing and accessories. All items are designed in Paris and produced in Portugal, France, and Asia, in workshops that respect both human rights and ecological standards.
Regular price: €450,00
Sliced Baguette by Estimon (Poland)
Main material: corn leather
Estimon’s founder, Marta Sieradzka, has made it her mission to use only innovative plant-based leather alternatives, ensuring each item is as cruelty-free as it is sustainable. Respect – Sieradzka’s guiding principle – is reflected not only in her choice of materials but also in the relationships she nurtures throughout the production chain. After all, it’s respect and kindness that go the furthest.
Regular price: €218,50
The She-EO by Carter Wade (USA)
Main material: grape leather
Established in 2024, Carter Wade creates handmade bags in New York City using innovative vegan leathers such as cactus and grape leather. Each bag is crafted by skilled artisans and features high-quality Italian hardware. The brand follows slow-fashion principles by producing limited editions to minimise waste and support fair working conditions.
Regular price: $695,00
Baguette Bag by Kairi (UK)
Main material: cactus leather
Kairi is a UK-based brand creating bags from cactus and apple leather. Launched in 2020, it was among the first in the country to introduce these plant-based materials as alternatives to animal leather. All bags are designed and made in London with a focus on clean, versatile shapes that work across seasons and settings. As new bio-based options become available, Kairi continues to expand its material choices while keeping designs simple, functional, and durable.
Regular price: £120.00
All day Mid by Version Paris (France)
Main material: corn leather
Founded by sibling duo Marion and Julien, Version designs sleek, minimalist bags made with next-gen and recycled materials such as corn waste leather, deadstock cotton, plexiglass, and recycled PET. All bags are handcrafted in Spain and Portugal in small batches, using European-sourced fabrics to minimise transport emissions. The brand rejects exploitative production models in favour of ethical, local manufacturing and low-impact design. As members of 1% for the Planet, they support environmental initiatives with every purchase.
Regular price: €210,00
Explore more vegan and sustainable bags in our Directory.