Luxury watch straps made from plant-based leather

A process that ‘welds’ plant fibres together can produce high-performance materials for a range of accessories – including watch straps

Spotted: Just as plant-based meat substitutes have made big in-roads into our diets, plant-based leather alternatives are appearing in more parts of our wardrobes, especially in accessories. Driven by demand for greater sustainability, apples, pineapples, grapes, mushrooms, and even mangoes, are all being turned into forms of synthetic leather. Now, new technology developed by Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) is able to turn plant fibres into high-performance materials for use in applications such as footwear, fashion, automotive, accessories, and more.

NFW has patented several processes which ’weld’ plant fibres together to create a much stronger and more versatile product. Its process bonds 100 per cent natural fibres together at the molecular level. The resulting fibres are quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and warp-knit compatible. The process works with both recycled and virgin fibres and “runs on closed-loop green chemistry that enables new efficiencies.”

The company has recently released a new plant-based material— MIRUM. This is made entirely with plants and minerals and does not contain any petrochemicals or plastic. The main components are natural rubber, natural fillers such as cork powder, and mineral colourants. Because the material requires no tanning, it has a carbon footprint much lower  than conventional leather or plastic alternatives.  

Swiss luxury watch giant IWC Schaffhausen, who’s portfolio includes Cartier, Chloé, Peter Millar, and Net-a-Porter, recently announced that it will be using MIRUM for watch straps. The company stated in a press release that, “IWC understands that luxury consumers increasingly expect brands to show their commitment to sustainability and expect products to be made responsibly and with minimal environmental impact. For this reason, many watch lovers are searching for alternatives to leather straps without compromising quality, durability, or wearing comfort.”

The fashion industry is under increasing pressure to clean up its act, and this is finally leading to a raft of new, more sustainable products and processes. Springwise has spotted many of these innovations, including the use of fruit waste to make vegan leather and a platform that rescues and upcycles unused fabrics.