About Organic and Plant-based No Plastic Materials
Organic Textiles
The following is a summary of various organic textiles which are replacement synthetic materials in fashion and lifestyle markets.
Hemp Organic Textile
Hemp organic textile refers to a type of fabric made from the fibers of the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant that has been grown and processed using organic farming methods.
Certified Organic Cotton
It's estimated that it takes organic cotton uses 91 per cent less water to grow than regular cotton and a lot of the water used in organic cotton is rainwater and water stored in the soil.
Cork Leather Textile
Cork leather fabric, also known as cork fabric or cork "leather," is a type of textile material made from the bark of the cork oak tree. The process of making cork leather involves stripping the outer bark layer from the cork oak tree, which is a sustainable and eco-friendly practice as the tree can regenerate its bark.
Tomato Leather
Tomato leather is a new, innovative and stand-out for apparel and accessories that is an alternative to animal and PU leather material. It is made from tomato skin, 100% biodegradable and free of plastics and chemicals that can harm people and the environment.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is a type of textile made from the pulp of the bamboo plant. The process of making bamboo fabric involves crushing bamboo stalks and leaves to extract cellulose, which is then spun into fibers to make yarn.
Raffia
Raffia textile is derived from the fibers of the raffia palm tree, primarily found in Africa (notably Madagascar) and parts of Asia. It is a sustainable material, as harvesting does not harm the tree, and it requires no pesticides. The production process includes harvesting, drying, coloring, and weaving.
Organic Denim
Denim is a sturdy wrap-faced textile traditionally made with 100% cotton. It derives its diagonal ribbing texture that is distinguishable from cotton by the twill-weaving procedure where the weft - which is 1 thread of unbleached yarn - is passed under 2 or more warp threads - which is dyed cotton yarn. Hence the denim fabric shows the blue or black or whatever dyed colour on the surface while the inside colour is white only.
Canvas
Canvas is a robust, plain-woven material typically crafted from cotton, linen, or hemp, renowned for its exceptional strength and long-lasting durability. Its tightly woven structure provides excellent resistance to tearing and abrasion.
Straw for Fashion
Straw is a natural, plant-derived material created from the dried stalks and leaves of cereal plants and palms. The term "straw" encompasses a diverse array of plant fibers grown in various regions across the globe.
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Anne Hurley - Founder & Author
Founder of James&Co brands pioneering plastic-free alternatives and author of books challenging the myths of sustainable fashion.
Short Bio
Anne is an Australian business owner, author and sustainability advocate. She is the founder of James&Co, the brand originally known for vegan leather jackets and now recognised for pioneering accessories made from innovative plastic-free materials such as cork, washable paper and organic cotton.
Following a career as a lawyer and telecommunications executive, Anne turned to business after the tragic death of her son James. She founded James&Co as a way to create products that aligned with her ethical values.
In line with her career in the digital economy and products business James&Co, Anne began writing books exploring the truth behind sustainability claims in fashion, exposing misleading marketing and highlighting the urgent need to move beyond both leather and plastic-based faux leather.
Three Careers. One Constant: Writing.
Anne's career has spanned three fields — law, telecommunications and sustainability entrepreneurship — yet one element has remained constant throughout: writing.
She began her professional life as a lawyer. Analysing complex issues, applying legal principles, advocating in Courts and specialising in commercial law.
Her career later moved into the telecommunications industry during a period of rapid technological change, in particular the rollout of the National Broadbank Network (NBN) in Australia.
Anne wrote books and articles about law and teleccommunications and today writes about sustainability, materials and the environmental impact of fashion. Through books, articles and the brands she founded — James&Co, CORKSTORE and Earth Totes — she explores alternatives to leather and plastic-based materials and the future of sustainable products.
Books and Writing
James&Co Brands
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View James&CoInnovative sustainable material accessories such as washable paper
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View Earth TotesOrganic cotton mesh bags designed to replace disposable plastic bags
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View CORKSTORENatural cork accessories offering a renewable alternative to leather

