10 game-changing plant-based materials reinventing vegan sneakers in 2025

For iné, "being eco-friendly means learning to do things differently". In this article, we break down ten plant-based fibers that are reinventing sneakers: their origin, processing, pros/cons, and ideal uses. The goal? To give you the keys to recognizing a truly sustainable material… and understanding why our Vibes model currently relies on corn (BioVeg) while we explore new R&D avenues.

1. What is a Plant-Based Material?

In fashion, a "plant-based material" refers to any material whose biomass primarily comes from plants: leaves, stems, fruits, sap, or agri-food residues. Unlike animal leather or petroleum-based synthetics (PU, PVC), these alternatives reduce reliance on oil and often upcycle agricultural waste.

 

2. How to Assess a Material's Sustainability?

• Bio-based content: percentage of actual biomass (ideally > 50%).
• Embodied energy: water/electricity needs for fiber processing.
• Chemicals: solvents or additives; REACH, OEKO-TEX certifications.
• End-of-life: recyclability, compostability, or energy recovery.
• Performance: abrasion resistance, breathability, weight.

 

3. Top 10 Plant-Based Materials for Sneakers

1. Corn (BioVeg)

• Origin: Starch + sugars from non-food corn converted into bio-based polyols.
• Process: The polyols partially replace petroleum in a high-performance PU, laminated onto recycled textile.
• Advantages: High biomass (up to 75%), leather-like feel, PETA, USDA certifications.
• Limitations: Still contains some PU; not compostable.
• Use cases: Uppers, smooth inserts for the Vibes.

Why iné chose it: The perfect blend of retro-sport style, lightness, and a carbon footprint 3 times lower than classic synthetic leather!

 

2. Cactus (Desserto®)

• Origin: Hand-harvested cactus leaves.
• Process: Drying, grinding, then mixing with bio-binders to form a coating.
• Advantages: Irrigation-free cultivation, partially biodegradable, natural look.
• Limitations: Less durable than leather, requires binders.
• Uses: Accessories, sneaker inserts.

 

3. Pineapple (Piñatex®)

• Origin: Pineapple leaves and stems (agricultural waste).
• Process: Mechanical fiber transformation, mixed with PU or PLA base.
• Advantages: Uses waste, supple and lightweight.
• Limitations: PU used in some products.
• Uses: Lightweight sneakers, linings, accessories.

 

4. Grape (Vegea™)

• Origin: Grape marc residues from the wine industry.
• Process: Residues transformed into a paste, mixed with a PU binder.
• Advantages: Waste valorization, leather-like appearance, vegan.
• Limitations: PU present in most versions.
• Uses: Uppers, bags, linings.

 

5. Mushroom / Mycelium

• Origin: Mushroom mycelium grown on organic substrate.
• Process: Controlled mycelium cultivation, compression, and drying.
• Advantages: Biodegradable, rapid growth, compostable.
• Limitations: Limited durability, production still limited.
• Uses: Inserts, flexible accessories.

 

6. Apple (AppleSkin™)

• Origin: Apple waste from the agri-food industry.
• Process: Waste pulverization, addition of bio or PU binders.
• Advantages: Waste valorization, partially biodegradable.
• Limitations: Requires synthetic binders, not always compostable.
• Uses: Linings, insoles, accessories.

 

7. Hemp

• Origin: Hemp fibers grown without pesticides.
• Process: Spinning and weaving or mixing with bio-PU for technical textiles.
• Advantages: Very low environmental impact, resistant and breathable.
• Limitations: Rustic appearance, variable availability.
• Uses: Linings, breathable uppers.

 

8. Bamboo

• Origin: Pulp extracted from fast-growing bamboo stems.
• Process: Chemical and mechanical treatment to obtain textile fibers.
• Advantages: Rapid growth, natural, antibacterial.
• Limitations: Chemical processes sometimes necessary.
• Uses: Technical textiles, linings.

 

9. Cork

• Origin: Bark of cork oak harvested without felling.
• Process: Cutting and agglomeration to form panels or sheets.
• Advantages: Renewable, biodegradable, lightweight, and insulating.
• Limitations: Limited applications in terms of flexibility.
• Uses: Soles, rigid linings, patches.

10. FSC Natural Rubber

• Origin: Latex from FSC-certified plantations.
• Process: Latex harvesting, vulcanization, or transformation into foam.
• Advantages: Renewable source, flexible, water-resistant.
• Limitations: Not biodegradable if vulcanized.
• Uses: Outsoles, flexible inserts.

 

4. iné: Innate (Eco)logical Innovation

Our first collection, Vibes, embodies the balance between 90's nostalgia and the demands of the 2020s: a unisex model available in 9 colors, made of 75% biomass (corn, cotton, agricultural waste) and handcrafted in Portugal.

"Challenging the status quo is innate. I see the sneaker as a laboratory: fewer harmful materials, more plants, zero compromise on style."
— Audrey Delanoë, Founder

 

Labels & Proof: PETA Approved Vegan, Global Recycled Standard, FSC (cardboard), Scope 1–3 carbon offset.
Circular Process: BioVeg scraps re-injected into the insole; Re-Step post-use take-back program planned for 2026.

 

Discover Vibes

 

5. What's Next – The Outlook for 2025-2030

• Brown algae: alginic acid polymers for lightweight foams.
• Bacterial textiles (kombucha cellulose): self-healing.
• 100% bio-based PU from microalgae oils.

The future of plant-based materials looks rich in innovation! An opportunity for all brands to offer more environmentally friendly leather alternatives. Although it currently divides consumers, plant-based will increasingly be part of tomorrow.

 

6. FAQ

Are 100% plant-based sneakers possible?

Yes… but the shoe also needs to be durable. Today, a thin layer of bio-based PU ensures waterproofing. iné's goal: zero fossil-based materials by 2030.

How do I care for my Vibes?

A damp cloth is sufficient. Avoid the washing machine; let them air dry.

Can I recycle my old pairs?

We are currently developing a solution to make recycling our sneakers easier. In the meantime, write to us at contact@ine.fr.