What is grape faux leather?

Qu'est-ce que le simili cuir de raisin?

What is grape leather?

Grape leather is a plant-based alternative to animal leather. It is made from grape pomace, which is the skins, seeds, and other residues. This material has the advantage of being vegan, flexible, and durable.

How grape leather is made

Grape waste is collected and placed in ovens to be dehydrated, then ground into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with a resin made of vegetable oils and water-based PU to solidify the material. The thick white paste obtained can then be colored and spread in large sheets to allow it to dry. Once dry, the material is ready to be cut and assembled to make bags or shoes, for example.

A responsible material

Using grape leather helps reduce waste by recovering grape waste from wine production. It is not just kilos but tons of grape pomace that are produced every year during the harvest. Thus, by giving these waste products a new life, this innovative material is part of a circular economy.

The Zèta brand

The Bordeaux brand Zèta, available at Neiwa, designs "recycled, recyclable, and vegan" sneakers. It is known for its responsible grape leather shoes and is part of a transparent and zero-waste approach.

But how do you clean vegan shoes?

  1. Clean the shoes regularly with a soft cloth and soapy water. Avoid using harsh cleaning products that could damage the vegan material.

  2. For stubborn stains, use a vegan stain remover specially designed for vegan shoes. Apply it to a soft cloth and gently rub the stain until it disappears.

  3. Let the shoes air dry, away from any heat source.

  4. Once the shoes are dry, you can use a vegan clothing conditioner to nourish the material and keep it flexible.

  5. If you wear the shoes often, it is recommended to waterproof them with a product specially designed for vegan shoes. This will protect them from moisture and stains.

  6. Avoid exposing the shoes to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this could damage the material.

It is important to note that each vegan material is different and may require specific care. Therefore, be sure to check the specific care instructions for the vegan shoes you own.

Discover Zèta sneakers and our selection of men's and women's shoes as well.