Information about harmful leather-looks: PU, PVC, PVB.

PU (polyurethane), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PVB (polyvinyl butyral) are plastic polymers made from fossil fuels, and all three are used to make leather-look fabric sold as faux or vegan leather. PU fabric is made by reacting the polymer with isocyanates and polyols and bonding the result to a textile backing; Safe Work Australia publishes guidance on handling isocyanates because they are hazardous to workers. PVC is made flexible with phthalate plasticisers, which are not chemically bound to the plastic and can migrate out over time. PVB is mainly used to laminate car windscreen glass, and recycled PVB from old windscreens has been promoted as a leather-look coating.

James&Co does not use PU, PVC or PVB in any product. Its three brands use washable paper, natural cork and cotton instead, which gives retailers a plastic-free option in cosmetic bags and toiletry bags for the same shelf where PU bags usually sit.