A Question We Get Asked All the Time
Ever since we launched Coneli, one question comes up again and again: “What exactly is vegan leather?” It’s a fair question – and one that deserves a real, honest answer. So here it is, straight from the founder.
What Vegan Leather Is (and Isn’t)
Vegan leather is any material that looks and feels like traditional leather but contains no animal products. That’s the simple version. The more interesting version is that vegan leather can be made from a wide range of materials – some more sustainable than others.
At Coneli, we use innovative synthetic vegan leather that is carefully selected for durability, texture, and environmental impact. We’re not interested in materials that simply replace one problem with another – we want our bags to be genuinely better for the planet.
Why We Chose Vegan Leather From Day One
When I started Coneli, the decision to go cruelty-free was non-negotiable. Traditional leather production is one of the most resource-intensive and polluting processes in fashion – from the land and water used in livestock farming to the toxic chemicals used in tanning. I didn’t want any part of that.
But I also didn’t want to compromise on quality. A Coneli bag needs to be something you reach for every single day – something that gets better with use, that holds its shape, that feels like a considered purchase rather than a throwaway one. Vegan leather, done right, delivers exactly that.
Is Vegan Leather Truly Sustainable?
This is where I want to be honest with you. Not all vegan leather is created equal. Some versions are made from PVC, which has its own environmental challenges. That’s why we’re constantly researching and improving the materials we use, and why we’re committed to transparency about what goes into every Coneli bag.
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We’re proud of where we are – and we’re always working to do better.
Made in Portugal – Because Where Matters Too
It’s not just what our bags are made of – it’s where and how. Every Coneli bag is produced in Portugal, in workshops with fair working conditions and skilled artisans who take real pride in their craft. For us, ethical fashion means ethical at every step.
The Bottom Line
Vegan leather is a meaningful choice – for animals, for the planet, and for the people who make and wear our bags. It’s not perfect, and we’ll never pretend it is. But it’s a step in the right direction, and every step counts.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
– The Coneli Team