Media Release Re 2023 Award

PRESS RELEASE

 

CONTACT INFO

James&Co

Anne Hurley

0412 23 23 24

anne@jamesandco.com.au

 

RELEASE DATE: 18 May 2023

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

AUSTRALIAN SUSTAINABLE FASHION BRAND JAMES&CO WINS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

(Sydney, NSW) Visionary brand James&Co has been named Most Pioneering Sustainable Fashion Enterprise 2023 – Australia in the Business Excellence Awards 2023 handed out by UK-based publication Acquisition International.

James&Co is the brand of women’s clothing and accessories which tailors its products only in fabrics that are plant based, plastic free and cruelty-free. It was established 10 years ago to become a top brand for vegan and eco-conscious customers when the only synthetic leather textile available for ‘vegan leather’ fashion was polyurethane (PU) or PVC – that is, plastic.

Innovations began with the development of leather-look fabrics made partially from fruits and vegetables – pineapple, apples, grapes, cactus, mushrooms – but also containing PU to some degree. Products made with the textiles hence are not biodegradable, not recyclable and face end-of-life disposal challenges of plastic items.

Now there has been the breakthrough of the development of 100% plant based alternative leather textiles without PU that enable the creation of products with the luxurious look of leather without the animal cruelty and the toxicity to the planet.

James&Co is the leading brand for ditching PU-containing textiles in all its leather-look clothing and accessories. A collection of bags made with 100% plant based MIRUM®, which is the textile made by US business Natural Fiber Welding, is available and a MIRUM® shoe release is imminent. Collections of plant based alternative leather outerwear and gloves are planned also and James&Co will likely be the first brand globally to offer these sustainable fashion products.

Founder and CEO of James & Co, Anne Hurley, is thrilled with the Award and the recognition of the brand’s drive to source plant-based textiles to get top products into the fashion market to replace those containing plastic.

‘With the availability of MIRUM® and other plant based textiles being developed James&Co seized the opportunity for the business to help get plastic out of fashion while delivering the best in style to its customers.

I do see that the transition away from the plastic vegan leather products to sustainable ones will gather pace as the message of the fashion industry capability to respond to the environmental imperative to end the use of harmful materials spreads. Awards like this that recognise businesses taking the step and publicise the activity are critical for getting the message out there.’

Acquisition International says thatBusiness Excellence’ which merits the bestowal of an Award for such is defined by businesses not only looking to improve their operations, but those which are actively taking part in building business to have a positive impact on the world. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work. Read more.

For more information and for media access, please contact: Anne Hurley 0412232324 anne@jamesandco.com.au

 

  Anne Hurley, CEO of James&Co     James&Co bucket bag made in MIRUM

 

-END-

 

About James&Co

James&Co is the brand of women’s sustainable apparel & accessories which is committed to sustainable sourcing and manufacturing and to getting plastic out of fashion. The brand’s products are designed to last a long time and tailored only in textiles that are cruelty-free, durable, organic, plant based, plastic-free and capable of being recycled or composting in soil at end-of-life.