Sustainable Materials in Bags: What's Really Behind the Label?

Anyone interested in sustainable fashion quickly encounters a wide range of terms and materials. But what do they actually mean? Here’s an overview of some of the most important sustainable materials—and what sets them apart.

Vegetable-Tanned Leather: Unlike conventional chrome tanning, this method uses natural tannins, often derived from bark or leaves. The result is a durable, robust leather with a unique character—free from harmful substances.

Recycled PET Fabrics: Old plastic bottles get a second life here. This process conserves resources and energy, producing a tough, water-repellent material that’s perfect for functional bags.

Cork: Lightweight, waterproof, and surprisingly stylish—cork is a true all-rounder. As a renewable resource, it’s environmentally friendly, and its distinctive texture gives bags a unique aesthetic.

Organic Cotton: Grown without pesticides and requiring less water, organic cotton is often produced under fair conditions. It’s a popular choice for linings or lightweight bag designs.

At Adorna, we intentionally partner with brands that use these materials—not for marketing, but out of conviction. To us, sustainability isn't about sacrifice—it’s about making responsible, informed choices.