We know the term “vegan leather” has gained a lot of traction. It sounds like a more ethical, compassionate, and sustainable choice. And while we understand the intention, there are truths that are rarely told or even known.

First, let’s be clear: most “vegan leather” is not leather at all. It’s plastic. Usually made from polyurethane (PU) or PVC, both petroleum-based materials. It’s not biodegradable, it cracks, peels, breaks down quickly, and ends up polluting air, water, and soil for centuries.

Maybe you didn’t know this:

The natural leather we use at Cocoroco comes from animals already raised for food. The hide is a byproduct. Using it isn’t cruelty it’s honoring the life by preventing total waste.

On the other hand, synthetic leather is plastic petroleum turned into fast fashion.

Sometimes what seems like compassion is actually environmental ignorance and what seems cruel can be true sustainability.

There are exciting eco-alternatives like cactus, pineapple, apple, or mushroom based “leathers,” but they’re still expensive, hard to find, and don’t yet match the durability, strength, or beauty of natural leather.

At Cocoroco, we don’t believe in fast fashion.

We believe in what’s honored, cared for, and passed on. In pieces that hold stories, that age with dignity. That never go out of style because they’re made with soul, not speed.

We work with traditionally tanned leather, handcrafted by local artisans. We choose what’s real. What breathes. What evolves with time.

We choose what lasts. Because a well made product that you use, love, and care for over the years is also a form of sustainability.

It’s not just about what a product is made of, It’s about how long it lives with you and how deeply it connects to who you are.

And yes, we’re also looking ahead.

The world of fungi is fascinating resilient, intelligent, regenerative. Mylo, a mushroom-based leather, holds real promise and we’re excited about its future.

When it becomes more accessible, we’d love to bring it into our creations.

Because sustainability also means growth, awareness, and responsibility and our mission remains the same: to love what we do and to do it better, every time.

Kmi Kstro G