It started a while ago...
At James&Co, we’re redefining fashion and lifestyle with products made exclusively from sustainable materials—no plastic, 100% plant-based, and timeless in design.
Our journey has been one of transformation, innovation, and resilience. Since our launch in 2012, we’ve undergone remarkable pivots, always staying true to our mantra: “I do not give up.”
Originally, James&Co began as both a B2C and B2B brand, specializing in women’s vegan and cruelty-free faux leather jackets and accessories (see some images below). From the outset, our mission was clear: to seamlessly blend style, sustainability, and ethical practices.
As awareness grew around the environmental impact of synthetic "vegan leather," we made a bold decision—discontinuing our plastic-based jackets and accessories.
Recognizing the potential of emerging plant-based fabrics, James&Co transitioned to a B2B model, introducing sustainable materials such as washable paper, cork leather, organic textiles like cotton and hemp, and soon, innovative tomato leather to the Australian market. However, adoption within relevant industries has been slow, leading to a strategic shift toward more distinct sustainable materials.
To refine its focus, James&Co restructured into three specialized brands:
- James&Co – continuing to develop premium, plant-based, plastic-free leather alternatives in washable paper and tomato leather.
- CORKSTORE – dedicated exclusively to cork-based products.
- Earth Totes – specializing in organic textile-based offerings.
This strategic separation enables each brand to sharpen its niche, catering more effectively to sustainability-conscious consumers and businesses seeking eco-friendly alternatives in their respective product categories.
For more of the story of the James&Co beginning, how and why our brand's products do make a difference for the future of our planet, read the books written by our founder Anne Hurley and available on Amazon:
For The Planet By 2030: We Need To Switch To Sustainable Alternative Leather.
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.