India is leading the charge in ethical fashion with a growing number of brands offering vegan leather products. These brands cater to eco-conscious shoppers by using materials like PU, cactus, apple, and banana leather, blending style with ethical values. Here's a quick look at seven standout names:
- Me Te Amo: Affordable handcrafted bags (₹699–₹2,499) using vegan leather trims and sustainable packaging.
- Zouk: PETA-certified, cruelty-free bags combining Indian fabrics like Ikat and Jute with vegan leather (₹1,500–₹8,000).
- Rashki: Banana-based leather bags reducing carbon emissions and agricultural waste.
- Allen Solly: Vegan handbags made from cactus and apple leather, priced between ₹4,500 and ₹10,000.
- Tiger Marron: Premium handbags using upcycled vegan leather with designs priced from ₹1,800 to ₹8,400.
- Mokobara: Travel and work bags with water-resistant vegan leather, starting at ₹5,999.
- Green Hermitage: Plant-based vegan leather bags featuring materials like cork, banana, and mushroom leather.
India's vegan leather market is growing fast, driven by younger consumers prioritising ethical and stylish options.
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Me Te Amo: Handcrafted Bags with Vegan Leather Trims
Me Te Amo is an Indian brand that combines time-honoured craftsmanship with ethical, modern practices. Their handcrafted bags feature vegan leather trims alongside materials like jacquard cotton blends, raffia, and hand-loom cotton. The result? Bags that preserve the charm of traditional Indian textiles while staying completely cruelty-free - a thoughtful balance of style and sustainability.
Crafted by Women Artisans
Each Me Te Amo bag is a testament to the skill and dedication of women artisans. In their workshop, where 85% of the team comprises local women, traditional techniques meet modern designs. These artisans not only create stunning pieces but also benefit from upskilling programmes, ensuring their craft evolves with the times. Every bag tells a story of heritage, resilience, and individuality.
Ethical Materials and Eco-Friendly Packaging
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Me Te Amo's process. The bags use vegan leather trims and recycled polyester linings, reducing waste without compromising on quality. Materials like jacquard cotton blends, raffia, and hand-loom cotton are chosen for their low environmental footprint and their connection to traditional Indian artistry. Even the packaging reflects this ethos, with paper-based materials, recycled kraft boxes, paper tape, and reusable cotton dust bags. Low-waste cutting methods further underline their commitment to mindful production.
Affordable Luxury for the Modern Shopper
Me Te Amo redefines affordable luxury, offering bags priced between ₹699 and ₹2,499. With fixed markdowns of 40–70% on higher MRP items, their designs are perfect for fashion-conscious women aged 18–34. Take the BOX TOTE, for example - a practical yet chic design launched on 4 July 2025. It features a padded laptop pocket, inner zip, slots, and a convenient outer zip. As the brand announced on Instagram:
"Launch alert! BOX TOTE by Meteamo - sharp frame, soft price."
The collection includes everything from sling bags and cross-body bags to totes, baguettes, clutches, puffer handbags, macramé styles, and cosmetic pouches. Regular sub-₹1,600 promotions make these stylish pieces even more tempting for impulse buys.
Zouk: Indian Craft with 100% Vegan Materials
Zouk is an Indian brand proudly certified by PETA, offering a unique fusion of traditional textiles and vegan leather. By blending iconic fabrics like Ikat, Jute, and Khadi with premium vegan leather, Zouk celebrates India's rich craftsmanship while staying cruelty-free.
The brand's dedication to authenticity is evident in its designs, which capture the "Essence of India." Each product reflects regional styles and traditions, thanks to fabrics sourced from different parts of the country. This thoughtful approach ensures that every piece carries the distinct charm of India's diverse weaving heritage.
Traditional Indian Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship at Zouk isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s a tribute to India’s textile heritage, reimagined with modern, ethical practices. Their artisans skilfully combine age-old techniques with innovative vegan materials to create products that are both timeless and sustainable.
Take Ikat, for example. This resist-dyeing technique produces bold patterns and vibrant colours, giving each piece a striking, geometric appeal. Practiced across India, Ikat adds a unique character to every bag. Similarly, Jute Khadi, known for its texture and strength, honours India’s handloom traditions while supporting eco-conscious choices.
Every Zouk bag is handcrafted, ensuring no two pieces are exactly alike. This level of detail and individuality reflects the brand’s belief that ethical production and high-quality craftsmanship can go hand in hand.
Product Range
Zouk’s collection is designed to cater to diverse needs, seamlessly combining functionality with style. Whether for work, travel, or daily errands, there’s something for everyone.
- Laptop Bags: These bags are as practical as they are stylish, featuring padded compartments to protect your devices while showcasing traditional Indian textiles.
- Sling Bags: Perfect for everyday use, these are priced at ₹1,399, offering a mix of convenience and elegance.
- Office Bags: Available at ₹1,499 (discounted from ₹1,999), these bags provide professional functionality without compromising on ethical values.
- Wallets: Compact and organised, Zouk’s wallets maintain the brand’s signature aesthetic in a smaller, practical design.
The collection also includes backpacks, handbags, shoulder bags, and travel pouches, ensuring options for every occasion. Each product highlights Zouk’s unwavering commitment to pairing traditional Indian fabrics with cruelty-free materials, proving that ethical fashion can be stylish, functional, and diverse.
Rashki: Banana Leather and Simple Design
Rashki is making waves in India's sustainable fashion scene by combining eco-conscious materials with clean, straightforward designs. The brand is turning agricultural waste into trendy accessories, thanks to its partnership with Banofi Leather. Together, they craft handbags from banana-based vegan leather, proving that being environmentally responsible doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
Co-Founder Rahul Jain sums up Rashki’s mission and reach perfectly:
"As one of the most loved sustainable lifestyle brands in India, we have touched the lives of 40,000 consumers with our vegan, cruelty-free bags and accessories."
With products priced between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000, Rashki blends ethical production with high-quality craftsmanship, offering sustainable choices for the modern consumer.
Banana-Based Vegan Leather
Rashki’s collaboration with Banofi Leather is a game-changer. By repurposing banana crop waste, they’ve developed a vegan leather that’s as innovative as it is eco-friendly. This material is crafted from a mix of 60% banana fibres, 20% natural additives, and 20% non-petroleum synthetic additives. Given that India, the world’s largest banana producer, generates four tonnes of waste for every tonne of fruit, this approach not only reduces agricultural waste but also provides farmers with an additional source of income.
The environmental perks are striking. Banofi leather requires 85% less water, emits 85% less CO2, and is 90% biobased. Plus, sourcing local crop waste can increase household incomes by up to 30%. Jinali Mody, Founder of Banofi Leather, highlights the importance of this collaboration:
"We value our exclusive partnership with Rashki and their support in launching our product, Banofi, in the Indian market. We're confident that by working closely with our partner brands, such as Rashki, we can disrupt the fashion industry and help play our part in the fight against climate change and animal cruelty."
This partnership not only champions sustainability but also sets a strong foundation for ethical innovation in fashion.
Simple and Nature-Inspired Style
Rashki’s designs are a celebration of simplicity and the natural beauty of banana leather. The material’s lightweight and flexible properties lend themselves to creating practical, versatile accessories. By embracing natural textures and patterns, Rashki’s understated yet elegant pieces seamlessly balance authenticity and functionality. These designs are perfect for both professional settings and casual outings, making sustainable fashion an easy choice for daily life.
Allen Solly: Plant-Based Fashion
Allen Solly has stepped into the world of sustainable fashion with a PETA-approved vegan handbag collection. This line features plant-based materials like apple leather and cactus leather, blending eco-consciousness with contemporary style. By doing so, Allen Solly joins the growing movement in India toward cruelty-free fashion.
Richa Pai, COO of Allen Solly, shared her thoughts on the collection:
"Our new vegan handbag collection represents a confluence of style, sustainability, and ethical responsibility. This collection is not just about making a difference. By using groundbreaking materials like apple and cactus leather, we're not just setting trends but also advocating for a better future."
The collection is priced between ₹4,500 and ₹10,000, making sustainable luxury more accessible.
Eco-Friendly Material Choices
Allen Solly's dedication to eco-conscious design shines through its choice of materials. The apple leather used in the collection contains 69% bio-based carbon content, while the cactus leather boasts 66%. For the interior lining, they’ve opted for 100% recycled plastic bottles, and the hardware incorporates allergy-free gold metal with minimal metal usage. This thoughtful approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainable products, in a market valued at US $60.4 million in 2023 and projected to reach US $131.7 million by 2030. By incorporating these materials, Allen Solly is setting an example for eco-friendly innovation in fashion.
Mainstream Appeal
Allen Solly’s designs go beyond sustainability - they’re crafted to appeal to a broad audience. The vegan handbag collection features a playful yet sophisticated colour palette, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to formal dinners and professional settings. One standout piece, a yellow casual handbag, is made from premium vegan leather, includes multiple compartments, and is currently priced at ₹1,649 (discounted from ₹3,299). This blend of style, functionality, and affordability ensures the collection resonates with everyday consumers.
Tiger Marron: Premium Vegan Leather Handbags
Tiger Marron has carved out a prominent spot in India's sustainable luxury market, offering premium vegan leather handbags that seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with ethical production. The brand's commitment to sustainability goes far beyond using vegan materials. They’ve built an entire ecosystem that prioritises environmental care and artisan craftsmanship.
Their mission statement sums up their philosophy:
"Crafted to Perfection - Born as an ode to contemporary global design, fused perfectly with the finesse of expert artisanship, Tiger Marrón offers an array of products in top-quality leather and fabrics at attractive prices."
Tiger Marron's handbag collection caters to a broad audience with a wide price range. Popular models include The Money Maker at ₹7,500 (down from ₹9,375), Ladies Love It at ₹8,400, and budget-friendly picks like Daddy at ₹1,800 and Street Cred at ₹3,300. This variety reflects their dedication to making luxury both accessible and stylish.
Modern and Stylish Designs
At the heart of Tiger Marron's design ethos is the fusion of contemporary style with artisanal detail. Their August 2024 collaboration with Koytoy by Kunaal Kyhaan is a standout example. This collection features organic vegan leather, intricate quilting, bold colours, and signature tiger charms. To add a personal touch, they also offer customisation services.
Their vegan leather is made from upcycled materials and treated with natural chemicals instead of harsh industrial ones. This ensures their products deliver the premium quality and durability expected by luxury consumers while staying aligned with environmental principles.
Ethical Manufacturing
Tiger Marron doesn’t just innovate in design - they also lead the way in ethical production. CEO Saahil Tiger Nandrajog highlights the brand's comprehensive approach to sustainability:
"Tiger Marrón is one of the only brands, especially in India, that is truly environmentally positive. As mentioned above for a brand to be sustainable it not only needs to use sustainable materials but its supply chain and manufacturing process need to be sustainable."
Their manufacturing processes reflect this commitment, reducing energy consumption by 30% and water usage by 60%. They achieve this through efficient hardware production and advanced Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) that reuse water up to five times. All operations adhere to global compliance standards, ensuring both worker welfare and ethical practices.
Tiger Marron’s leather is developed in-house using biodegradable materials that are ethically sourced. As Nandrajog explains:
"Tiger Marrón has its own recipe of leathers that are carefully and passionately made to be durable and wonderful to touch and feel. They are 100% biodegradable and are also ethically sourced."
This proprietary vegan leather, crafted from upcycled materials, is fully biodegradable, further solidifying their dedication to sustainability.
Through their transparent and eco-conscious practices, Tiger Marron has set a standard for sustainable fashion in India, earning recognition as a globally compliant brand.
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Mokobara: Functional Vegan Accessories
Mokobara has carved out a niche in travel and work accessories by blending vegan leather with advanced materials designed for today’s fast-paced, mobile lifestyles. Their focus on ethical materials and smart design has positioned them as a go-to brand for those seeking both style and practicality.
What makes Mokobara stand out is its thoughtful combination of vegan leather and technical fabrics. For example, some of their products are made with "water-resistant vegan leather and nylon fabric", ensuring durability without compromising on aesthetics. This mix allows their bags to handle everything from daily office commutes to international adventures, seamlessly balancing form and function.
In May 2025, a New Delhi-based customer, Vakul Sharad, reviewed the Work Backpack after nine months of daily use. He highlighted how the "leather-like panels and high-quality fabric still look almost new, with minimal signs of wear". He also praised the bag's structure and appearance, giving it an impressive 4.5/5 rating.
Travel and Work Products
Mokobara’s collection demonstrates how vegan leather can enhance both functionality and a professional look. Take the Work Backpack (19L), for instance. It features 17 pockets, costs ₹8,499, and boasts an impressive 4.86/5 rating from 141 reviewers. Another option, the Terra Work Backpack (25L), offers 10 pockets, is priced at ₹9,499, and has earned a 4.85/5 rating from 41 reviews.
For travellers, the Transit Backpack is a standout. With a 30L capacity, it’s priced at ₹5,999 and has garnered a stellar 4.87/5 rating from 594 reviews. These bags are designed with vegan leather trims and water-resistant materials, making them equally suitable for business meetings and airport terminals.
Practicality is a key feature across Mokobara’s range. Many bags include dedicated laptop compartments (fitting devices up to 16 inches), external USB charging ports, and luggage sleeves for easy travel. The vegan leather accents not only enhance the look and feel but also ensure the bags meet the functional needs of professionals and travellers alike.
Design Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability plays a central role in Mokobara’s approach. The brand focuses on "quality and sustainability, crafting bags from premium vegan leather and water-resistant materials". Their commitment to "responsible sourcing and eco-friendly materials" aligns with the values of conscious consumers. A recent funding round of $11.6 million (approximately ₹96.6 crore) is set to drive further innovation in sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing.
Caring for vegan leather accessories is straightforward. Mokobara suggests spot-cleaning with a microfiber cloth, cool or warm water, and mild detergent for tougher stains. They recommend avoiding hot water on vegan leather and cleaning nylon components with a cloth dipped in warm water.
Mokobara’s philosophy revolves around "incredible functionality with a sleek minimalist design". Their success illustrates how thoughtful integration of vegan leather and technical fabrics can create high-performance accessories that cater to the demands of modern professionals and travellers. It’s a testament to the growing shift towards sustainable, functional fashion.
Green Hermitage: 100% Plant-Based Vegan Leather
Green Hermitage is carving a niche in the world of vegan fashion with its fully plant-based approach. The brand specialises in accessories crafted from raw materials that are 90% biodegradable, offering a stylish and sustainable alternative to traditional leather.
Their collection of handbags and travel accessories blends ethical sourcing with elegant design. By focusing on cruelty-free and eco-conscious production, the brand appeals to both environmentally aware shoppers and those accustomed to traditional leather goods. With a commitment to quality and durability, their products rival conventional leather in every way.
Ethically Sourced Materials
Green Hermitage goes the extra mile to research and test materials that align with their eco-conscious mission. They utilise six distinct types of plant-based vegan leather, each with its own unique characteristics and sourcing methods.
- Coconut leather: Made from leftover coconut water and husk, this material is breathable, flexible, and compostable.
- Cactus leather: Derived from the Nopal cactus, it offers softness and durability without harming the plant.
- Apple leather: Created using leftover fruit pulp from the juice industry, it provides a smooth, refined finish.
- Banana leather: Sourced from banana stems, this material is strong and textured.
- Mushroom leather (mycelium): Grown from fungi root systems, it is soft, biodegradable, and produced using agricultural waste.
- Cork material: Harvested from cork oak trees without cutting them down, it is naturally waterproof and lightweight, featuring unique patterns.
In addition to these primary materials, Green Hermitage incorporates recycled threads, rust-proof metal components, and hemp linings into their products. The brand maintains rigorous quality checks throughout their supply chain, ensuring their materials meet certification standards and uphold ethical practices.
Natural Textures and Patterns
Nature serves as a muse for Green Hermitage's designs, evident in their flagship collection, "A WALK IN THE FOREST". This collection captures the beauty of forest landscapes, translating natural patterns and textures into timeless accessories.
"This collection draws its essence from nature's artistry. Each bag symbolises harmony between sustainability and luxury, inspired by the intricate textures and vivid patterns observed in nature around. Crafted for the eco-conscious and style-forward patrons, this collection is a celebration of timeless design and environmental responsibility."
Every piece is designed to reconnect consumers with the natural world. The textures and patterns aren’t just decorative - they tell a story of environmental awareness and celebrate the diversity found in nature. Materials like cork and banana leather bring an organic touch to each product, creating what the brand calls "everlasting statement pieces".
"Through our products we hope for you to embark on a journey where each thread and iota of your product enables you to reconnect with the spirit of nature and become one with its fibre."
Green Hermitage’s dedication to merging natural beauty with sustainable design strikes a balance between traditional aesthetics and modern ethical fashion. Their products stand as a testament to how luxury and responsibility can coexist seamlessly.
The Gusto: Biodegradable Fashion Accessories
India's reputation for sustainable vegan innovations continues to grow, and The Gusto is a shining example in this space. This brand takes eco-conscious accessory design to the next level by combining biodegradability with practicality. Founded by Mansi Gambhir, The Gusto has already served over 10,000 customers in just a year and a half, carving out a niche in the vegan leather market by offering products that are not only cruelty-free but also environmentally responsible.
The Gusto’s bags are designed with a focus on organisation and smart space utilisation, catering perfectly to India’s expanding professional workforce. Skilled Indian artisans craft these handmade products, which are widely available on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, and Ajio.
Biodegradable Vegan Leather
The Gusto’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of biodegradable vegan leather. This material offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather, addressing the environmental challenges posed by conventional materials.
"Our goal was to design bags prioritising sustainability and functionality. We use vegan leather that replicates authentic leather grains and texture while being fully biodegradable. It has leather-like grains and texture and yet causes no harm to livestock." – Mansi Gambhir, Creative Director and Founder of The Gusto
Unlike petroleum-based plastics often found in standard vegan leather, The Gusto’s polymer-based vegan leather mimics the texture of real leather while ensuring it can fully biodegrade. This innovative approach not only reduces environmental impact but also maintains the quality and aesthetics consumers expect.
The brand’s ethical practices extend to its manufacturing processes. With an in-house team, The Gusto ensures fair labour conditions and prioritises the well-being of its predominantly women workforce.
Stylish and Conscious Designs
The Gusto merges modern style with timeless elegance, creating accessories that are both functional and fashionable. Their minimalist designs ensure the bags remain stylish for years, making them a smart choice for conscious buyers. Built with durability in mind, these bags are designed to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements and further supporting sustainable consumption.
With an eye on global expansion, The Gusto is preparing to launch international shipping, starting with the UAE. This move reflects the brand’s confidence in its quality and its appeal to a broader audience. The bags are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of working professionals, featuring compartments and organisational elements that blend practicality with style. By combining biodegradable materials with designs that cater to modern demands, The Gusto offers accessories that align with both environmental values and professional lifestyles.
Brand Comparison Table
This table provides an overview of some of the leading vegan leather brands in India, highlighting their materials, product offerings, and standout features.
| Brand | Materials Used | Product Categories | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Me Te Amo | Vegan leather trims, jacquard cotton blends, raffia, hand-loom cotton, recycled polyester linings | Sling bags, cross-bodies, totes, baguettes, clutches, puffer handbags, macramé styles, cosmetic pouches, AD jewellery | Handcrafted by women artisans, sustainable packaging, permanent discounts (40–70%), 7-day returns | ₹699 – ₹2,499 |
| Zouk | 100% vegan materials with traditional Indian craftsmanship | Laptop bags, sling bags, messenger bags, backpacks | Ikat prints, modern functionality, Indian heritage-inspired designs | ₹1,500 – ₹8,000 |
| Rashki | Banana-based vegan leather (Banofi) | Handbags, accessories | Significantly reduces carbon emissions (90%) and water usage (95%), made from upcycled banana crop waste | Not specified |
| Allen Solly | Plant-based vegan leather alternatives | Fashion accessories, bags | Combines eco-friendly materials with mainstream fashion appeal | Not specified |
| Tiger Marron | Premium vegan leather | Handbags, accessories | Sleek, modern designs with ethical production practices | Not specified |
| Mokobara | Sustainable vegan materials | Travel bags, work accessories, laptop cases | Functional and travel-friendly designs with a focus on sustainability | Not specified |
| Green Hermitage | 100% plant-based vegan leather | Bags, accessories | Ethically sourced materials featuring natural textures and patterns | Not specified |
| The Gusto | Biodegradable vegan leather | Professional bags, handbags | Biodegradable materials, artisan-crafted with thoughtful organisational features | Not specified |
Each of these brands brings a unique perspective to vegan leather fashion. Me Te Amo stands out with its wide product range and artisan-focused approach. Zouk blends traditional Indian artistry with modern functionality, while Rashki leads in innovation with its banana-based leather. Other brands like Allen Solly, Tiger Marron, Mokobara, Green Hermitage, and The Gusto cater to varied preferences, from eco-conscious minimalism to travel-friendly designs. Together, these brands reflect India's growing emphasis on ethical and sustainable fashion choices.
Conclusion
India's fashion industry is undergoing a transformation with the growing adoption of vegan leather, signalling a move towards cruelty-free and eco-conscious choices. This shift isn't just a passing trend; it's becoming a core value for mindful consumers. Globally, the vegan leather market is expected to hit $9.53 billion by 2033, while India's leather goods industry is forecasted to grow at a steady 7.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. These numbers highlight the strong momentum behind sustainable fashion.
Indian brands are stepping up by offering alternatives that reduce environmental damage while redefining what ethical fashion looks like. They're proving that style, affordability, and traditional artistry can coexist. For instance, plant-based materials like Piñatex can save around 12 kg of CO₂ emissions for every metre produced.
What sets India apart is how it blends heritage craftsmanship with modern sustainable practices. Many brands are reviving age-old techniques and merging them with eco-friendly materials, creating products that reflect both cultural pride and contemporary ethics. This movement also uplifts women artisans and supports rural economies, enriching the broader fashion ecosystem.
With younger generations increasingly leaning towards ethical consumption, Indian brands are not just meeting demand - they're shaping the future of fashion. By combining affordability, craftsmanship, and values-driven design, India is emerging as a global leader in sustainable fashion. This evolution demonstrates how thoughtful choices can create a positive impact for consumers, communities, and the planet.
FAQs
What are the environmental advantages of choosing vegan leather over traditional leather in fashion?
Vegan leather comes with several environmental upsides when compared to traditional leather. Since it eliminates the need for animal farming, it helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, saves water, and uses less land during production. These factors make it a greener alternative in many ways.
That said, the eco-friendliness of vegan leather depends heavily on the materials used. Synthetic options, while free from animal products, often rely on fossil fuels and can contribute to microplastic pollution. On the flip side, plant-based alternatives, such as those made from cork or pineapple fibres, are generally seen as better for the environment, though their sustainability hinges on how they’re manufactured.
In essence, vegan leather usually leaves behind a smaller carbon footprint and supports cruelty-free practices, making it a thoughtful pick for consumers mindful of the planet.
How do Indian brands maintain the quality and durability of vegan leather products?
Indian brands are raising the bar for vegan leather by focusing on quality and durability. They use premium synthetic or plant-based materials that are designed to withstand cracking, peeling, and everyday wear. By combining advanced manufacturing techniques with strict quality checks, these brands ensure their products can match the longevity of traditional leather.
What sets many of them apart is their emphasis on eco-conscious practices. From using biodegradable components to incorporating recycled materials, they aim to create products that are not just durable but also kinder to the planet. This dual focus on sustainability and cruelty-free production allows consumers to enjoy stylish, leather-like alternatives without sacrificing performance or ethical values.
What innovative materials do Indian brands use to create vegan leather, and how do these support sustainability?
Indian brands are turning to new-age materials like cactus leather, plant-based options such as Banaric, and fabrics made from recycled or low-impact sources to create vegan leather products. These alternatives aim to cut down reliance on traditional animal-based leather, reduce environmental harm, and encourage responsible manufacturing practices.
By adopting these sustainable materials, these brands don’t just provide cruelty-free choices - they also play a role in building a cleaner, greener future through ethical and environmentally mindful production.
