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MATERGEA is a Colombian slow fashion brand that works closely with local artisans.
Our handbags and footwear line is manufactured with plant-based alternatives to leather made from cactus and recycled materials made from PET recycled bottles, recycled polyester, wheat and corn biopolymers. We also use materials such as tagua (considered the vegetable ivory), bamboo, jute and wicker.
The fabrics we use in our clothing line are made from hemp, organic cotton, recycled cotton, eco dyes and recycled PET bottles.
Nature is our inspiration and guiding principle for our designs. We create our products based on three pillars: respect to Mother Earth, sustainable fashion and craftsmanship added value.
We have three different lines for our purses
CACTUS LINE
Manufacture with plant-based alternative to leather made from cactus. (Cotton and polyester backing) and Bio PU.
Cruelty free, no toxic chemicals, Phthalates or PVC.
Sustainable processes
The handles are made from tagua that are considered the vegetable ivory. It is a 100% renewable material.
Desserto Cactus alternative to leather:
Biodiversity amelioration in the region.
Reverts Land Use Change (LUC).
Enrichment of soil micro-flora and micro-fauna through native and typical organic cactus afforestation.
Huge savings in water as no irrigation is applied.
Environmental preservation as no chemicals are used like herbicides or pesticides.
Cactus is left unharmed to enable repeated harvesting from the same plant.
Energy savings by drying the feed-stock in a solarium.
No cross-industry conflict as the byproduct is directed to the food industry in an increased value form which is more attractive, and stimulates the agricultural sector to plant more cactus.
Full vision and traceability of the farm to ensure sustainable social practices.
Technological enhancements at the fields.
BANANA CROP WASTE LINE
Manufacture with Banofi alternative to leather made from banana crop waste.
Sustainable processes:
Banofi process begins by sourcing banana crop waste directly from farmers, who would otherwise discard it. From this waste, they extract fibers, which serve as their primary raw material. These fibers are combined with a blend of natural gums and adhesives, and finished with layers of colors and coatings. This material is then coated onto a fabric backing, resulting in a durable and robust material that is 80-90% biobased.
Banofi proprietary material, Ban-o-Fi (Banana Fibre Leather), has a significantly lower environmental impact than both animal and plastic leather. They continue to innovate and reduce dependence on polymers. True sustainability is extremely challenging and is the mission that they are deeply dedicated to.
Manufacture with Reconversión Circular alternative to leather. This Colombian startup focused on the circular economy, working with coffee and avocado waste.
They have developed a natural textile made from 100% plant fiber and an environmentally frinedly binder. It is biodegradable, with excellent resistance and durability.
This organic and sustainable material is a great alternative to animal leather and other synthetic materials that are not eco-friendly.
Sustainable processes:
Reconversion Circular alternative to leather is a bio-textile with a highly plant-based component. It is much more sustainable than animal leather, PU, and PVC.
The percentage of waste, such as avocado pits and skin, and coffee grains, varies depending on the presentation; it is biodegradable and can be reused.
Tagua Handles
The handles of some of our handbags are made of Tagua, also known as 'vegetable ivory ´for its color and hardness. Ir is the seed of the palm tree Phytelephas Aequatorialis present in the Amazon and in the subtropical forests of South America.