Material Guide: Oleatex

Have you ever heard of Olive Leather? Well, maybe that’s how you want to describe Oleatex. Oletex is an innovative vegan leather alternative crafted from olive industry by-products, offering a more responsible and animal-free option for the fashion and textile sectors.

Origins and composition

Derived from olive tree bio-wastes, Oleatex boasts up to 90% bio-content. By utilising materials from the olive industry it uses material that would otherwise be discarded. The material does therefore not only reduce waste but also minimizes reliance on synthetic components commonly found in traditional vegan leather products. The idea is to be a part of a circular economy, using resources left over from another industry while moving away from petroleum-based material.

Image: Ganni

Applications and versatility

Oleatex is designed for diverse applications, including clothing, shoes, bags, and wallets. Its texture and appearance closely resemble animal leather without compromising on quality or aesthetics. The material's versatility makes it suitable for various fashion and accessory items, already used by for example Ganni.

Image:Oleatex

Quality and certifications

In terms of quality, Oleatex is comparable to, if not better than, PVC-laden 'vegan' leathers. The company is in the process of obtaining certifications, including the USDA for organic labelling, V-label for vegan and vegetarian product quality, and DIN for biobased and compostable materials. But to our knowledge, these processes are not finalised yet.

Oleatex represents an advancement in responsible materials, being more circular and vegan, with hopefully a high-quality design. By transforming olive industry waste into a valuable resource, Oleatex offers a promising alternative to traditional leathers, catering to the growing demand for eco-conscious and vegan products in the fashion industry.