In our mission to transform the fashion industry, we collaborated with the Paris-based innovators Recyc Leather and the B-Corp Danish fashion brand Ganni to create Pélinova — a next-generation material made from TENCEL™ Lyocell and recycled leather fibers.

The Why

Animal agriculture — the source of virgin leather — is responsible for about 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions (according to the FAO) and it is the leading cause of deforestation in the Amazon. Additionally, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that an entire garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned every second, meaning a huge number of resources are going to waste. Pélinova was developed to address these two challenges.  

The Process

To make Pélinova®, Recyc Leather sources g pre-consumer recycled leather off-cuts. These are then broken down into fibers and combined with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers using advanced hydro-jet technology. The resulting fabric is coated with a water-based plastic available in an array of textures from silky smooth to fine-grained and even croc patterns.

We take great care in choosing partners that share our vision and our high standards. Recyc Leather’s entire supply chain, based in Southern China,  adheres to strict ethical standardsAccording to a Life Cycle Assessment conducted by TÜV Süd, Recyc Leather consumes 70% less water and produces 90% less carbon emissions than genuine leather. 

The Potential

Pelinova® has been embraced by the fiercest sustainable style advocates in the industry: Ganni. Their first Pelinova® style, a Slouchy Boot from their Spring-Summer 2024 collection, will be in stores in February 2025, with more styles to follow including Lace-Up Ballerinas.