Here at Elyse Breanne Design, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact without compromising quality. That’s why we’ve always used faux leather for our products. Now we're excited to share that we're taking it a step forward, choosing to use a next-generation mushroom-based leather alternative to develop our latest accessories. 

This material is 51% bio-based, meaning about half of its content is derived from renewable resources like plant fibers, natural fillers, and bio-based resins. More specifically - mushroom roots! The remaining 49% of the material is made up of synthetic components, primarily polyurethane, which adds the structure and durability needed for more complex, load-bearing products like wallets and travel accessories.

Independently tested by TÜV Austria and Intertek, the material achieved 61% biodegradation in 105 days under industrial composting conditions (ASTM D5338-15). While it’s not suitable for home composting, it nevertheless represents a measurable reduction in fossil fuel reliance and a thoughtful shift away from conventional plastics.

While we'd love to, it's hard to replicate the same durability and performance without any synthetic materials. Materials with higher bio-content (like 70–80%) can be softer and more biodegradable, great for lightweight accessories. However, they often lack the strength needed for complex, load-bearing and high friction products like our zip wallets, passport covers, luggage & AirTag Keychains.

Our 51% bio-based leather includes just enough synthetic reinforcement to deliver both performance and a lighter environmental impact. Though polyurethane is not biodegradable, it's used sparingly here to provide essential structure, and we're committed to reducing its presence wherever performance allows.

This material marks a meaningful step forward from the 100% polyurethane leather we used previously. With 51% bio-based content, it reduces fossil fuel reliance while still delivering the structure and durability needed for our designs.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it reflects our ongoing effort to make smarter, lower-impact choices where they matter most. For us, progress is about transparency, balance, and always moving in the right direction.