The future of luxury is not about tradition—it’s about transformation. Next-generation vegan leathers redefine how materials are sourced, designed, and produced. 

For nearly four years, we have dedicated ourselves to understanding, testing, and refining next-generation materials. Unlike traditional leather, which has been perfected over centuries, these materials require a completely new approach to craftsmanship. They react differently to stitching, molding, pressure, and heat applications—each material carrying its own language, requiring careful interpretation. At SENTIENT, we approach these materials like psychologists, studying their behaviors, strengths, and limitations to fully understand their potential. Instead of forcing them to conform to outdated leather standards, we design with intention—showcasing their natural properties and refining how they interact with craftsmanship. This depth of understanding allows us to create pieces that are both structurally sound and visually striking, embodying a new era of material excellence.

Our process is meticulous, but it is based on progress and not perfection. We evaluate next-gen materials based on three essential criteria: sustainability credentials, aesthetics, and performance. A material must significantly reduce its environmental impact, have the visual and tactile qualities expected in luxury design, and meet the durability and functional standards that high-end craftsmanship demands. We are at the forefront of this shift, ensuring that leather goods can no longer be conceived without these innovations.

This is not an easy road: we are still at the dawn of the emergence of next-gen materials and their innovation and many manufacturers remain reluctant to embrace innovation. Most hold onto long-standing allegiances to animal leather, despite the clear advancements of next-generation materials. At SENTIENT, we are actively bridging this gap—demonstrating that next-generation materials are not just an alternative, but the new standard for responsible luxury.

Next-generation materials are high-performance, sustainable alternatives designed to replace traditional animal-based and petroleum-derived textiles. They are created using cutting-edge material science and biomimicry to replicate the function, durability, and luxury of conventional textiles while significantly reducing their environmental and ethical impact.

Unlike conventional leather, which is tied to deforestation-heavy cattle farming, excessive water use, and toxic chemical treatments, these materials are designed to minimize environmental harm while maintaining structure and elegance.

Environmental Impact by the Numbers:

•  65% of a brand’s environmental footprint comes from raw materials—making material choice the most critical sustainability decision in fashion.
• Leather production emits up to 110 kg CO₂e per square meter, seven times more than synthetic alternatives.
• Desserto® cactus leather requires only 200 liters of water per kg, compared to 17,000 liters for animal leather.
• MIRUM® is 100% plastic-free, eliminating reliance on fossil-fuel-based synthetics.
• Oleatex® repurposes agricultural waste, reducing landfill impact and lowering CO₂ emissions by up to 94% compared to traditional leather processing.

We are undergoing a material revolution. This is just the beginning. And you—are the pioneer.

These are some of the most iconic materials we implement in our products and creativity:

Made from: Organic Nopal cactus fibers, grown in Zacatecas, Mexico, with no irrigation, no pesticides, and in harmony with local biodiversity.

Why it matters: Desserto® is a pioneer in plant-based leather alternatives. Unlike animal leather, which drives deforestation and chemical-heavy processing, Desserto® is cultivated on a USDA-certified organic plantation where the native cactus species naturally regenerates soil, enhances local biodiversity, and absorbs up to 8,100 tons of CO₂ per year. With no need for artificial irrigation, it thrives solely on rainwater and atmospheric humidity, making it one of the most water-efficient materials available.

How SENTIENT integrates it: The natural softness of Desserto® allows for a refined, supple texture in our pieces. Its ability to take on a wide range of rich colorways gives us the creative freedom to craft collections that are both vibrant and timeless.

Made from: A proprietary blend of 100% natural and bio-based materials, including cork, charcoal, coconut husk, soybean oil, and natural rubber—completely free from plastics and petrochemicals.

Why it matters: MIRUM® is the first material of its kind designed to be 100% naturally circular. With zero plastics and a regenerative supply chain, its production emits 10 times less CO₂ than chrome-tanned leather and requires no water inputs beyond what is inherent to its raw materials, meaning zero wastewater discharge.

How SENTIENT integrates it: MIRUM® offers remarkable structure and depth, making it an essential material for crafting bold, sculptural silhouettes. Its naturally textured surface enhances dimension and richness, allowing for architectural designs that stand apart.

Made from: Byproducts of the olive oil industry, including pulp, pits, and skins, repurposed into a durable, flexible material.

Why it matters: Oleatex® is an innovation that merges circularity, waste reduction, and material intelligence, repurposing agricultural byproducts into a high-end leather alternative. By transforming what would otherwise be discarded, Oleatex® prevents unnecessary resource extraction and significantly reduces the footprint of fashion manufacturing.

How SENTIENT integrates it: Oleatex® is defined by its silky softness and luminous sheen, offering a luxurious alternative that is both lightweight and adaptable. This outstanding innovation has allowed us to create the first completely flexible next-gen carryall, proving that circularity and sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into high-functioning, everyday essentials.

SENTIENT is not just using next-generation materials; we are mastering their implementation—understanding their behavior, refining their potential, and leading their production in high-end fashion. We continue to source, test, and implement the newest materials in vegan next-gen leather because we believe in innovation.

This is not about chasing perfection; this is about driving progress.