The following is a summary of various organic & plant-based no plastic material textiles which are replacement synthetic materials in fashion and lifestyle markets.
The environmentally harmful synthetic materials they can replace are leather-look polyurethane and related textiles. Read more about the necessity to replace them in this article.
Hemp Organic Textile
Hemp organic textile refers to a type of fabric made from the fibers of the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant that has been grown and processed using organic farming methods.
Certified Organic Cotton
It's estimated that it takes organic cotton uses 91 per cent less water to grow than regular cotton and a lot of the water used in organic cotton is rainwater and water stored in the soil.
Cork Leather Textile
Cork leather fabric, also known as cork fabric or cork "leather," is a type of textile material made from the bark of the cork oak tree. The process of making cork leather involves stripping the outer bark layer from the cork oak tree, which is a sustainable and eco-friendly practice as the tree can regenerate its bark.
Tomato Leather
Tomato leather is a new, innovative and stand-out for apparel and accessories that is an alternative to animal and PU leather material. It is made from tomato skin, 100% biodegradable and free of plastics and chemicals that can harm people and the environment.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is a type of textile made from the pulp of the bamboo plant. The process of making bamboo fabric involves crushing bamboo stalks and leaves to extract cellulose, which is then spun into fibers to make yarn.
Raffia
Raffia textile is derived from the fibers of the raffia palm tree, primarily found in Africa (notably Madagascar) and parts of Asia. It is a sustainable material, as harvesting does not harm the tree, and it requires no pesticides. The production process includes harvesting, drying, coloring, and weaving.
Organic Denim
Denim is a sturdy wrap-faced textile traditionally made with 100% cotton. It derives its diagonal ribbing texture that is distinguishable from cotton by the twill-weaving procedure where the weft - which is 1 thread of unbleached yarn - is passed under 2 or more warp threads - which is dyed cotton yarn. Hence the denim fabric shows the blue or black or whatever dyed colour on the surface while the inside colour is white only.
Canvas
Canvas is a robust, plain-woven material typically crafted from cotton, linen, or hemp, renowned for its exceptional strength and long-lasting durability. Its tightly woven structure provides excellent resistance to tearing and abrasion.
Straw for Fashion
Straw is a natural, plant-derived material created from the dried stalks and leaves of cereal plants and palms. The term "straw" encompasses a diverse array of plant fibers grown in various regions across the globe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does James&Co sell retail, wholesale or dropshipping?
James&Co operates as a wholesale business. We do not sell retail and we do not offer dropshipping.
Does James&Co have corporate values, mission and vision statements?
Yes we do. We recognise that clear corporate values, mission and vision statements are important to our stakeholders and customers.
You can read the vision and mission statements for James&Co.
Why is James&Co different from other women’s fashion brands?
James&Co has never relied on animal leather. Since our founding in 2012, we have focused exclusively on elegant, timeless styles made using cruelty-free fabric alternatives.
In our early years, we used traditional polyurethane (PU) vegan leather due to its lower environmental toxicity compared to PVC. As better alternatives became available, we transitioned away from toxic PU and adopted partially plant-based materials.
Today, James&Co is uniquely positioned as a pioneer in sustainable fashion, having replaced PU-based materials with truly sustainable, plant-based, plastic-free fabrics.
The global shift toward holistic vegan and sustainable lifestyles reflects a deeper transformation in how products are made and consumed — one that James&Co has been part of from the beginning.
Where are James&Co products made?
We believe in supply chain transparency and responsible sourcing. Since moving away from toxic traditional PU materials, we have been rebuilding our supply chain to work with responsible fabric suppliers and ethical manufacturing partners.
Our focus is on sourcing high-quality, sustainable alternatives to leather and producing well-made products through trusted suppliers who align with our values.
What packaging is used for James&Co products?
All James&Co products are packaged using paper-based materials only. This includes paper wrap labels or paper swing tags, and shipping in paper or cardboard boxes.
No plastic packaging is used.
Does James&Co have a Sustainability Policy?
Yes we do. We are committed to leadership in the sustainable cruelty-free fashion market. Read our Sustainability Policy here.
We set Sustainability Development Goals each year and report on them at the end of each calendar year.
Where is James&Co headquartered?
James&Co is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. We supply our products globally through wholesale partnerships with retailers both in-store and online.
How long has James&Co been in business?
James&Co was established in 2012.
The business was founded following the death of the founder’s son, James. In his writing, James encouraged us to “Live Life & Love It” — a message that continues to inspire the values and purpose of the brand today.
James&Co combines its founding purpose of contributing positively to the environment and animal welfare with the responsibility of building a sustainable and successful business.
You can read more on our About Us page.
Does James&Co donate to charities?
Yes. We donate 1% of each purchase price to Suicide Prevention Australia to help reduce deaths by suicide.