The Vegan Wallets Made From Recycled Materials In The UK
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Looking for a new wallet? Let me help you with my guide to the best vegan wallets. Rather than plastic-based faux leather, I’ve found the best wallets made from recycled materials so that your wallet can both look and do good.
The interest in vegan products is growing. However, this growing interest means a rise in greenwashing from unscrupulous manufacturers looking to cash in on this growing market.
Most vegan wallets available are made from vegan leather. Vegan leather sounds superior. However, all vegan leather is made from non-renewable fossil fuel-based plastics. These contribute to an increase in greenhouse gases, which accelerate climate change.
Meanwhile, PVC – a common vegan leather – is regarded as the most toxic of all plastics. As well as being a carcinogen, it’s known to cause diabetes, damage immune systems, disrupt hormones, and cause birth defects.
PVC’s ill effects are wide-ranging. Workers, soil and water supplies, and nearby communities can all be at risk from this toxic substance.
Vegan leather made from plant-based materials such as pineapple skin, mushrooms and cactus is having a moment. However, even vegan leathers made from natural products have to be blended with as much as 50% plastic. This means they still use non-renewable fossil fuels and are not recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable at the end of their life.
The Best Vegan Wallets Made From Recycled Materials
However, there are ways to be more sustainable whilst sticking to your vegan principles. You can opt for items made from recycled materials, rather than opting for vegan leather.
To help you out, I’ve got my top vegan wallet recommendations, all of which have been recycled or repurposed from items that would otherwise have gone to waste:
Roka
You might have heard of Roka before. In case the name rings a bell, this is the brand that makes stylish recycled rucksacks. Luckily for us, Roka has branched out into wallets, all priced at £22.95.
They’re available in a wide range of colours and patterns, and are made from vegan-friendly recycled canvas and recycled nylon.
They’re designed to keep your money, cards, and valuables organised. With three sections all tucked away under one main, secure zip, this versatile and durable wallet is set to become your favourite travel companion!
Elvis & Kresse
Elvis & Kresse make vegan wallets (£80) from genuine decommissioned fire hoses. Previously deployed in active duty for up to 25 years, fighting fires around the UK, the hoses would otherwise end up in landfill.
Instead, Elvis & Kresse cleverly repurposes the hose by hand into luxury accessories. Hoses make for a great vegan-friendly material because they soften with use but never lose their strength. And as you would expect from a hose, they are naturally water-resistant and extremely durable.
When it comes to recycling, Elvis and Kresse haven’t stopped there. Its wallets are even lined with reclaimed military-grade parachute silk. You can even have your wallet personalised.
What’s more, as well as looking after your money, your wallet helps look after others. This is because Elvis & Kresse donate 50% of their profits to charity. Specifically, the Fire Fighters Charity, which helps support serving and retired firefighters across the UK.
Paper High
If you’re looking for a card holder, rather than a wallet, then try Paper High. It sells this lovely Fair Trade card holder made from sustainable cork and recycled rubber (£12.95), which can hold up to six cards, plus receipts.
They’re made by skilled makers in Delhi who turn reclaimed and recycled materials into practical and beautiful items, while investing in their own communities.
Lotus Direct
Lotus Direct’s range of wallets (£22 at Not On The High St) are ethically handcrafted by Cambodian artisans, who are paid fair wages and work in their own homes.
Made using reinforced recycled fish feed and cement bags, this makes each wallet durable, compact, lightweight and wipeable.
These Fairtrade-certified wallets feature a pocket for notes, a zipped pocket for holding coins, and multiple slip pockets to hold your bank cards. This means there’s ample space for all of your essentials.
More Vegan Wardrobe Resources
If you are looking for more vegan clothing and accessory inspiration, check out my handy guides:
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