Thailand's premier vegan leather bag for discerning vegans

The commitment to preserving both health and the environment remains robust among the younger generation. This is evident in the growing popularity of the vegan movement, which provides an alternative for those who wish to abstain from consuming all forms of meat. Importantly, it is a widespread lifestyle trend that is not confined to a specific event, such as the Vegetarian Festival.

The vegan trend also has a significant influence on the way individuals select their products, appliances, and clothing. There is a growing tendency to opt for items that steer clear of animal-derived ingredients.

Instead, consumers are increasingly inclined to support products made from natural materials that refrain from killing or causing harm, suffering, or cruelty to animals.

Indeed, these trends have sent shockwaves throughout the contemporary business landscape. Even the fashion industry has embraced the idea of aligning its business ethos with environmental conservation.

They have created products that not only stand out but also win the hearts of individuals who have adopted a vegan lifestyle.

In this article, we will introduce you to the Thai bag brand "KEAPAZ," which is a creation by Parut Boonploylert, the 2nd runner-up in the Product and Service Design within the product design subcategory. This brand is being highlighted under the auspices of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).

KEAPAZ has emerged as a successful pioneer in the utilization of natural materials, specifically "weeds and plants," which, when coupled with modern innovations, are transformed into a form of leather. This pioneering approach has led to the development of Thailand's first line of vegan leather bags.

This has ignited a trend in the Thai fashion industry, exemplifying soft power, wherein global brands are increasingly embracing the creation of environmentally friendly and socially responsible products. Consequently, the brand is rising, with sales surpassing 10,000 leather pieces per month.

From Inspiration to Action: KEAPAZ Transforms "Waste Weeds" into Stylish Vegan Leather Bag

The inspiration behind the plant-based leather bag brand "KEAPAZ" originated from the process of making mulberry paper using natural materials, which are compressed into paper. This sparked the idea that all discarded weeds and grass, being natural materials, could also be harnessed to create additional value, much like mulberry paper.

With this vision in mind, the creator embarked on experiments with weeds and grass, ultimately achieving success. This marked the birth of Thailand's first plant-based leather bags under the brand "KEAPAZ."

While the exterior design closely resembles that of cowhide or conventional leather, the KEAPAZ leather is entirely crafted from weeds and grass.

This eco-conscious approach aligns perfectly with the global trend of environmental preservation, helping to establish a positive and eco-friendly brand image, capturing the hearts of consumers, and has also resulted in consistent growth in sales.

An Innovative Approach to Crafting 'Plant-Based Leather' with Properties Comparable to Animal Leather

The innovative idea of using weeds and grass to create bags by the Thai brand "KEAPAZ" has gained popularity among the younger generation of consumers. However, when it comes to consumer confidence in using bags made from plant materials, it's natural for many people to have concerns. Questions like, "Will plant-based leather bags offer the same strength, durability, and longevity as animal-hide bags?" often arise.

In past case studies, it has become evident that many countries have been producing environmentally friendly products that avoid the use of animal-derived raw materials and animal cruelty.

For instance, Laos utilizes gossamer fibre to manufacture fabric, while 'Japan' incorporates banana fibre into cloth production. In Thailand as well, banana fibre finds application in fabric and fashion product manufacturing. Traditional methods involve the initial beating of banana tree trunks, followed by meticulous fibre extraction and weaving, resulting in a fabric that boasts superior strength compared to conventional fibres.

This realization served as the catalyst for the brand "KEAPAZ" to identify an opportunity and successfully advance in the production of plant-based leather bags. These bags, being robust, long-lasting, and easy to maintain, are now on par with traditional animal leather bags.

However, reaching this point was a challenging journey, as it demanded financial support and collaboration from various stakeholders to create and further develop the innovation of Thai-made plant-based leather bags, not only on a commercial level but also in terms of social impact, with the goal of making a mark in the global market.

Elevating Thai Fashion: Upcycling Waste Materials to Boost Local Brands onto the Global Market

The use of weeds and grass in crafting a Thai bag brand with a beautiful and stylish design accomplishes more than just converting waste materials into valuable products accessible to everyone. It also plays a crucial role in bolstering local economies and community vitality.

The production process generates employment opportunities within the community, providing villagers with additional income and fostering a sense of pride in Thai brand products. Simultaneously, it contributes to the broader spreading of the vegan trend in both the Thai and global markets. It aligns with the sustainability trend, drawing the attention of entrepreneurs and marketers who are keen on creating businesses and products that cater to the preferences of modern consumers deeply concerned about the environment.

With a distinctive selling point, "KEAPAZ" has established itself as a prominent and renowned Thai brand. It has even captured the attention of globally recognized brands like MUJI, which have sought to procure leather from "KEAPAZ" as a material for its own product lines.

The brand's potential for further expansion into the international market was significantly bolstered when "KEAPAZ" participated in the Startup and Innovation Thailand Expo 2023 (SITE 2023), an event organized by NIA.

The Yagi Group has reached out to the brand to collaborate on the design and production of a sample collection of bags made from weeds. This initiative is aimed at preparing for export to the American and Canadian markets. Additionally, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has expressed keen interest and is poised to facilitate Japanese startups in partnering with their Thai counterparts to develop weed-based products.

The success of "KEAPAZ" can be seen as a catalyst for raising awareness about the utilization of plants as raw materials for diversifying product offerings, notably in the form of vegan leather. This achievement is underpinned by the rich potential and availability of raw materials in Thailand, an agricultural nation.

By implementing comprehensive promotion and support strategies that encompass knowledge, innovation, and financial resources, Thai products can not only enhance their value but also elevate themselves to a level of unparalleled distinction, and these will undoubtedly bolster the soft power of Thai brands on the global stage.