Vegea

Did you know, over 1.4 billion cows, goats and sheep are slaughtered for meat and animal leather every year? While most animal leather alternatives marketed as ‘vegan’ are made entirely from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and more recently polyurethane (PU), both of which are derived from fossil fuels.

PVC is a problematic material, both in its petrochemical origin and its production, as it releases dioxins (toxic chemical compounds) into the environment. PVC-based leather additionally incorporates phthalate plasticizers, which are hormone disruptors, and are both dangerous to humans and ecosystems.

Polyurethane is safer for humans than PVC, though it is still dependent on raw petrochemical materials. In order to make PU workable it must be turned into a liquid using solvents. Traditionally, PU solvents are high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to both humans and the environment. However, recent advances in chemistry have developed a less toxic process, known as water-based polyurethane or polyurethane dispersion (PUD), which we use where necessary. This water-based process involves modifiers and other agents in addition to water, which means PUD is a less toxic and harmful process, though we are aware PUD still relies on petrochemicals and does not biodegrade at the end of its life.

Most of the current plant-derived alternatives available are a combination of different materials, made by merging biomass waste with polyurethane dispersion (PUD) to improve its physical properties. While the addition of PUD helps to create a more durable final product, it stops the material from being biodegradable, making it far more difficult to be recycled.

Unfortunately, this material is not yet biodegradable and is difficult to recycle. With that in mind, we decided to only use this in products that are low-wash and long-lasting. We try our hardest to have a mindful approach to design, appropriately matching each material to a product that makes the most sense in terms of sustainability, functionality and purpose.

At PNAGAIA our goal is to only use, and continue to develop, petrochemical-free alternatives to animal leather. Our sneakers are comfortable, cushioned and created using repurposed waste from discarded grape skins, stalks, and seeds—extending the use of the grapes and creating a more circular system. The sole is made from 86% natural rubber.