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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 two different lines for our purses & footwear line
PLANT - BASED 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.
RECYCLED LINE
Manufacture with recycled PET bottles, wheat and corn biopolymers.
Sustainable processes:
Alternative to leather made with corn and wheat grains obtained through safe practices for farmers and the environment, in accordance with the standars of the Sustainable Development goals (SDG).
12,000 less liters of water per lineal meter.
8,2 PET bottles of 600ml per lineal meter.
The cotton threads used from post industrial origin make it possible to reduce the CO2 footprint in comparison to conventional thread and save 110,000 litters of water per kilogram.
There are no harmful substances such as insecticides or chemical fertilizers used in the vegan leather we use for our purses.
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.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
We use fabrics made from organic cotton, recycled PET bottles, hemp, eco dyes and jute. These fabrics are less dependent on virgin resources and save water, energy, carbon emissions and toxic chemicals.