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Alternatives that respect animals and the environment

Paul François-Griffon is a man who, like many French people, undertook a career change in order to pursue an activity more in line with his values. A vegetarian for many years, he wanted to work for animal protection in his new profession. That's when he discovered plant-based alternatives to leather and became interested in them. Indeed, it's one thing to refuse to kill animals to eat them, but what about slaughtering them for their skins? However, many people who are sensitive to the animal cause simply don't know that there are plant-based alternatives to animal leather in leather goods. Durable and ecological, these products have many advantages and research in this area is constantly evolving. With Parerga, Paul François-Griffon wanted to highlight these committed designers who offer bags and small leather goods made with materials composed mainly of plant waste from harvests: apples, grapes, pineapples, cereals, but also mushrooms.

More eco-responsible innovative materials

When founding Parerga, Paul François-Griffon wanted to surround himself with local companies to promote European bags above all. While Mexicans manufacture a material based on cactus, Parerga preferred to opt for materials developed by our neighbors such as pineapple leather in Spain (Piñatex®), the patented Italian grape leather Vegea® which is used by the major automobile brand Bentley or apple leather, also Italian, called Apple Skin®. Even if these materials must be combined with polyurethane, often water-based, their carbon impact is reduced. For example, Mylo™ mushroom leather bags are composed of 85% plant material and only 15% polyurethane. Thus, in addition to fighting against animal suffering and exploitation, this new leather goods is ecologically virtuous. In addition, tests are continuing on these materials at present, particularly in the Netherlands and France. In the future, in addition to designing its own bag collections, Parerga would like to get involved in the development of these new materials.

Ethical and chic collections

Today, Parerga collaborates with carefully selected brands that share the same values ​​and convictions as the founder. French or European, they defend the animal cause and source vegan leather in the innovative materials invented in Europe and mentioned in the previous paragraph. At first glance, it looks like animal leather and nothing visually distinguishes them if you don't know that they are eco-responsible plant materials right down to the lining. Indeed, the inside of the bags is generally made of recycled plastic bottles. And Parerga has also selected brands that correspond to different needs and lifestyles. As proof, the best-sellers of the online store are both the small Mini Kayamb bag from the Minuit sur Terre brand and the large Oman tote bag from Camille. The Ashoka wallet is also a safe bet for these ladies. But these gentlemen are not left out with plant-based belts, ethical and chic wallets and card holders.

A committed company, Parerga donates 5% of its profits each year to an association that fights for the welfare of animals, a cause close to the founder's heart. In addition to the online store, Parerga will soon have a corner in the Bagadie leather goods store located on rue du Commerce in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. Thus, the influence of plant-based alternatives to leather in France is only just beginning!