Exploring the Impact of Vegan Leather on Sustainable Fashion Trends in India

A man holding a vegan leather bag.

For centuries, leather has been the gold standard in fashion — a symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless style. But behind the glamour lies an environmental and ethical cost: animal slaughter, toxic chemicals, and massive resource consumption.

Now, a new wave of innovation is redefining what leather can be — vegan leather. Also called faux leather, synthetic leather, or plant-based leather, it mimics the look and feel of traditional leather without using animal products. This sustainable alternative is gaining traction globally, and in India, this trend is booming as consumers increasingly seek eco-friendly options. If you're interested in how to export leather, understanding the rise of vegan leather is essential.

 Why Vegan Leather is Gaining Popularity in India

Consumers today aren’t just buying style — they’re buying values. With growing awareness about sustainability, cruelty-free fashion, and environmental conservation, vegan leather is emerging as the future of the leather industry.

Here’s why:

• Ethical Choice: No animals harmed in production.

• Eco-Friendly: Uses less water, produces less carbon, and avoids harmful chemicals.

• Trend-Driven: Celebrities, fashion houses, and conscious consumers are embracing it.

• Diverse Materials: From apples to pineapples, mushrooms to banana stems — the innovation is endless.

According to market research, India’s synthetic leather market is valued at ₹31,396 crore (US$3.6 billion) in 2024 and is expected to grow to ₹45,349 crore (US$5.2 billion) by 2033, at a CAGR of 4.03%. The shift is already underway — and it’s here to stay.

Types of Plant-Based Vegan Leather in India

India is becoming a hotspot for sustainable leather innovation, with several exciting plant-based options:

1. Apple Leather (AppleSkin) – Made from apple juice waste (pomace and peels). OEKO-TEX certified and 100% cruelty-free.

2. Leaf Leather – Crafted from discarded leaves, completely biodegradable and organic.

3. Piñatex Leather – Derived from pineapple leaves, loved by global brands like Hugo Boss.

4. Mushroom Leather (MuSkin/Mycelium Leather) – Soft, water-resistant, and biodegradable, made from the root structure of fungi.

Indian Startups Leading the Vegan Leather Movement

The vegan leather industry in India is buzzing with innovation. These brands are showing the world that luxury can be sustainable:

• Phool – Famous for Fleather, made from recycled temple flower waste.

• Banofi Leather – Uses banana crop waste, reducing water usage by 100% compared to traditional leather.

• Malai – Creates coconut-water-based bacterial cellulose leather, naturally dyed and eco-friendly.

• PA Footwear P Ltd – Developed Vegan Virya, made from sugarcane bagasse with over 95% plant-based content.

The Future of Vegan Leather in India

With eco-conscious consumers, advanced R&D, and a strong push for sustainable fashion, vegan leather is set to disrupt India’s leather industry. Startups are experimenting with upcycled floral waste, banana stems, coconut water, and agro-waste, ensuring a zero-cruelty, low-carbon-footprint alternative.

This is more than a fashion trend — it’s a cultural shift. As awareness grows, vegan leather products — from handbags and footwear to car interiors — will dominate the market.

Why You Should Choose Vegan Leather

• Support ethical fashion and cruelty-free brands.

• Reduce your environmental footprint.

• Embrace innovation and support Indian startups.

• Stay ahead of fashion trends without compromising on values.

In short: the future of leather is plant-based, ethical, and sustainable. With India leading the charge, vegan leather is no longer an alternative — it’s the new standard.

Vegan Leather Market Share (% by Region, 2022

How to Export Leather Successfully

1. Market Research & Buyer Identification

• Identify target countries with demand for vegan leather (e.g., US, EU, UK, Japan).

• Study the import regulations of those countries (some require eco-certifications).

• Connect with buyers through B2B platforms (Alibaba, Indiamart Global, TradeIndia, exhibitions).

2. Company & Legal Setup

✅ Register your business as a legal exporter in India:

• Get a PAN Card (business/individual).

• Register your firm (private limited, LLP, or sole proprietorship).

• Obtain an IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT – mandatory for exports.

• Register with export promotion councils like CLE (Council for Leather Exports) or FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) for credibility and schemes.

3. Product Compliance & Certifications

Since it’s vegan leather, global buyers often demand eco and ethical certifications:

• PETA Approved Vegan certification.

• REACH Compliance (for EU markets – checks chemical safety).

• ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 for quality and environmental management.

• Lab testing for toxicity, durability, and eco-safety if required by the importer.

4. Pricing & Costing

• Factor in production cost + packaging + courier charges + duties.

• Use Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP) depending on the buyer’s agreement.

• Keep in mind that vegan leather is a premium product, so competitive yet profitable pricing is key.

5. Documentation for Export

A typical export shipment requires:

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill (Xtramiles will issue the AWB for courier shipments)

• Certificate of Origin (if required by buyer’s customs)

• Export Declaration (Shipping Bill) through Indian Customs ICEGATE

• Product Certifications (eco-friendly/vegan compliance if demanded)

6. Packaging & Labelling

• Use eco-friendly, sturdy packaging (important for branding in the vegan segment).

• Label cartons with product details, HS Code, “Made in India”, and handling instructions.

• Ensure moisture-proof packing for long-distance shipments.

7. Choosing Logistics – Why Xtramiles

Here’s where Xtramiles comes in as your international courier partner:

• Courier Mode Advantage – Faster than sea freight, best for small & medium consignments.

• Door-to-Door Delivery – Pick-up from your factory → Delivered to the buyer’s doorstep.

• Customs Clearance Support – They handle export & import clearance.

• Tracking & Transparency – Real-time AWB tracking keeps buyers informed.

• Multiple Shipping Options – Express shipping for samples & urgent orders, economy for bulk.

• RTO (Return to Origin) Protection – Xtramiles ensures reduced failed deliveries.

8. Customs & Export Clearance (India Side)

• File the shipping bill on ICEGATE (your CHA or Xtramiles partner helps).

• Submit export documents.

• Pay applicable duties (though most vegan leather categories fall under duty-free schemes under FTAs, check HS Code).

• Goods were handed over to Xtramiles for courier uplift.

9. Delivery & Buyer Side Customs

• Xtramiles ensures customs clearance at the destination country.

• Duties/taxes (if any) are either prepaid (DDP) or billed to the buyer (DAP/DDU).

• The buyer receives the package at their warehouse/factory within 5–7 days (express) or 8–12 days (economy).

10. Payment & Post-Sale

• Use advance payment/LC/PayPal/escrow/open account (with trusted buyers).

• Offer after-sales support (quality certificates, re-orders).

• Maintain good relations with the courier (Xtramiles) for preferential rates on future shipments.

✅ Pro Exporter’s Xtramiles Tips (Extra Miles)

• Always ship product samples via Xtramiles courier first → quick feedback loop.

• Use bulk courier discounts – negotiate slab rates with Xtramiles if exporting regularly.

• For urgent small orders, Xtramiles Express > Air Freight (cheaper & faster for <50 kg).

• For e-commerce D2C exports (Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify orders), Xtramiles integrates with platforms for seamless cross-border shipping.

🔥 In short:

• Set up your business & export license → Get certifications → Price smart → Prepare docs → Pack & label → Ship with Xtramiles international courier for reliable, fast global reach.

Why Export Leather?

• Market Demand: The global demand for leather products continues to grow, making leather export a lucrative business opportunity.

• Profit Margins: Exporting leather can yield higher profit margins compared to domestic sales.

• Diverse Markets: Different regions have unique preferences for leather products, creating opportunities for exporters to cater to various markets.

• Innovation in Leather: The introduction of vegan leather and other innovative materials is expanding the possibilities for leather exports.