Vegan leather has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years in the fashion sector, attracting increasing attention thanks to its ecological (less CO2 emissions and more water-efficient) and ethical properties. Today's consumers are turning to a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly alternative, and vegetable-based leather is emerging as both an innovative and responsible solution. Unlike traditional leather, which comes from animal skin, vegan faux leather is inherently cruelty-free and animal-friendly, offering an ecological and animal-friendly alternative. With the rise of environmental concerns, this material has won over consumers for an ethical, environmentally-friendly product.

Innovative materials such as Piñatex (made from pineapple fibers) and AppleSkin (from apple waste) embody this new natural trend. These non-animal materials are part of a cruelty-free approach to animal welfare, while meeting the highest standards of quality, durability and sturdiness. Brands are embracing these new, more natural, plant-based products, proving that elegance and ethical fashion can coexist.

But what about the ageing of this new material? Is it as natural and plant-based as is claimed? and as durable and resistant as traditional leather skins? Here, we explore the different alternatives, their longevity and care.

Vegan leather is a synthetic material that resembles leather, but is free from animal products. It is vegetable-based. It comes in many forms, made from eco-friendly, recycled and sustainable resources, making the materials used an environmentally friendly and vegan choice.

The techniques used to manufacture vegan materials vary from one material to another. Companies such as Ananas Anam (creators of Piñatex) and Frumat (AppleSkin) focus on environmentally-friendly processes, making the most of recycled raw materials. These methods are often less energy-intensive, more water-efficient, less toxic and less polluting than those required for traditional leather chrome tanning.

Carefully crafted materials are designed to be high quality, strong, hard-wearing and capable of competing with real leather while respecting nature.

Vegan leather has physical characteristics that influence its longevity. By nature, it is designed to be robust, incredibly hard-wearing and strong, yet flexible and lightweight. Compared to animal leather, vegan leather is generally lighter and can be more or less supple, depending on the bases used. These properties enable synthetic vegetable leather to be used in the manufacture of quality products that meet the demands of today's consumers.

The aging of vegan leather depends on many factors. Some materials, such as Piñatex and AppleSkin, are renowned for their incredibly long-lasting resistance, while others, more sensitive to water or light, require specific care.

Our vegan shoes

Our vegan sneakers

Our eco-responsible sneakers

To maximize the durability of vegan leather, regular maintenance is crucial. There are simple, effective methods for nourishing, protecting and renovating these materials, guaranteeing their long-lasting, ethical performance.

Although recently developed by the industry, vegan faux leather offers a promising synthetic alternative to traditional leather hides. Its ageing depends on many factors, but with proper care it can rival animal leather in terms of durability and aesthetics. Its ecological advantages - less carbon emissions, less water use... - also make it a must-have product for more sustainable fashion, to accessorize your look and express your fashionable, chic style.

Why produce again what already exists? It is by questioning on this issue that ME.LAND was born and built. Indeed, the world of footwear has existed for several thousand years. It was therefore important for us to offer you totally innovative products that respect the environment. This is how ecological sneakers appeared as obvious, with particularities specific to ME.LAND. Want to know more about eco-friendly sneakers? We guide you through this article.

The traditional shoe industry has a significant environmental impact. The production of conventional shoes often involves the use of non-sustainable materials such as rubber, solvents and synthetic leather, which require a large amount of energy and natural resources to manufacture. Additionally, the chemical processes used in the production of these materials can have adverse environmental consequences, such as water and air pollution. In addition, the traditional footwear industry also generates a considerable amount of waste, including from excess raw materials and unsold footwear.

On the other hand, eco-responsible shoes offer many environmental benefits. First, they use sustainable, recycled or organic raw materials. For example, ME.LAND opted for fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles or recycled textiles made from marine plastic waste.

These materials reduce dependence on virgin resources and minimize waste. Additionally, eco-responsible shoes are often made using production methods that reduce the carbon footprint. This can include practices such as using low-impact natural dyes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing, and employing energy-efficient production processes.

The process of making an eco-friendly sneaker includes several key steps. First, the selection of raw materials is essential. It is therefore important to favor the use of sustainable, organic or recycled materials. This can include materials such as leather or recycled fabrics. By choosing these alternatives, the environmental impact associated with the extraction and production of new materials is significantly reduced.

The production process for eco-responsible footwear emphasizes methods that minimize the carbon footprint. This may involve the use of energy-efficient machinery, the optimization of raw material consumption and the reduction of waste generated during production. The location of the production and supply area is also important. Here are why our ecological and vegan sneakers are all produced locally in Portugal and our materials sourced within 20 km around the factory.

The packaging and delivery of an eco-friendly sneaker is also optimized to be environmentally friendly. This is possible thanks to the use of recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials, and this allows the quantity of plastic used to be reduced to a minimum. Additionally, it is possible to choose for more sustainable shipping options, such as using low-carbon carriers or consolidating shipments to reduce emissions associated with delivery.

Torecognize an eco-responsible shoe, it is essential to look for labels and certifications.For example, the Vegan label for shoes without ingredients of animalorigin which guarantees sustainable practices in the supply chain. The Seaqual Initiative is a remarkable initiative thatplays a vital role in protecting the oceans. Their innovative approach is tocollect plastic waste from the seas and oceans and then recycle it to produce awide range of high-quality nylon materials. Whether it's technical nylons,neoprene, linings, coatings, or fabrics, all these products are made fromreclaimed marine plastics. This means that every time you buy a Seaqual Initiative certified product, you are directlycontributing to the fight against plastic pollution and the preservation of ourprecious ocean ecosystems.

ME.LAND is a young French company specializing in the creation of unisex (for men and ladies) shoes. Launched in 2018, this brand embodies a great adventure whose objective is to offer alternative, comfortable, unique, responsible, and low carbon footprint sneakers.

Frédéric Robert, the founder of ME.LAND, could have continued to collaborate with prestigious fashion houses such as Dior, Hermès or Kenzo. However, he chose to fulfill his dream by launching his own collection. Thus, ME.LAND shoes are specially designed for today's individuals.

The particularity of ME.LAND lies in its unique approach. The shoes are produced in limited series, offering an alternative and unique style. Each model is distinguished by different and exclusive color combinations.

The concept of ME.LAND is supported by a community of artists including singers, musicians, video makers, street artists, illustrators, photographers, actors, and of course, our valued customers. This approach reflects our values of inspiration, craftsmanship and fair and environmentally responsible commitment. ME.LAND aims to be a manifest brand, offering inspiring, ethical and original sneakers, perfect for everyday wear.

Eco-friendly sneakers are an alternative that respects the environment while having quality products on your feet. ME.LAND then undertakes to offer various stylish, unisex products, while always remaining in accordance with its vision, to produce only novelty in short series.

Image : courtesy of PETA

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is a non-profit association dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals. Just like humans, animals are capable of feeling pain. They are therefore not made to be used in experiments, hobbies, or for any other reason.

PETA and its affiliates around the world are raising awareness among politicians and the public about animal cruelty and promoting the right of all animals to be treated with respect.

Depending on the context, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals France may be referred to as “PETA France” or “PETA”.

Together for all animals. @peta

ME.LAND donates € 1 per vegan sneaker sold to PETA to help protect animals.

SEAQUAL INITIATIVE is a Spanish organization which promotes and supports ocean clean-ups. Its main target is to fight and raise awareness of the problem of marine litter. It is a collaborative community of individuals, organizations and companies working together to help clean our oceans, raise awareness of the issue of marine litter and highlight those helping to fight it.

The organization works with the waste management and recycling industries to transform marine litter into upcycled ocean plastic, so that brands and manufacturers can create inspiring sustainable products.

SEAQUAL INITIATIVE is not a final product brand. The brands using SEAQUAL yarn are involved in the supply chain, such as manufacturers, brands, distributors and retailers. The purpose of SEAQUAL INISTIATIVE is to ensure 100% material traceability and to regulate the collaboration between each participant in order to maximize the final impact. Together our choices and actions can bring about great change by fighting against marine litter and support local communities and the circular economy.

#togetherforacleanocean #melandrecycle @seaqual.initiative

So far with the help of SEAQUAL INITIATIVE, 200 tons of marine litter have been transformed into Upcycled Marine Plastic and 600 tons of waste have been cleaned from our oceans by SEAQUAL INITIATIVE.

ME.LAND gives 1€ per vegan sneaker sold to SEAQUAL INITIATIVE in order to help cleaning the oceans.