Danish contemporary brand, Ganni, is aiming to phase out the usage of animal-based leather in favor of plant-based alternatives by 2023 and has started the process by launching Vegea, a new footwear collection made from grape leather.

The brand's SS22 collection includes chunky loafers, slides, and flip flops all manufactured from a unique material. Vegea is made from leftover grape skins from winemaking, as well as vegetable oils and other agricultural natural fibers.

Its creation keeps these products out of landfills, and its REACH-compliant manufacturing eliminates toxic compounds, heavy metals, and other hazardous solvents. Vegea contains a significant percentage of plant-based material, with a bio-compound (vegetable oil and grapes) accounting for 55% and a water-based polyurethane accounting for the remaining 45%. (PU).

Nicolaj Reffstrup, Ganni co-founder, said that by 2023, they'll have totally phased out leather because it interferes with their attempts to reduce their environmental effect due to high levels of methane emissions from animals. Introducing Vegea, a plant-based alternative made from agricultural waste is a step in the direction of more responsible collections.