Cutting Through the Greenwashing: ELVARDI’s Stand on True Sustainability

Let's be real: it can be hard to separate fact from fiction in a world oversaturated with sustainability claims. The fashion industry has been riddled with greenwashing—brands making vague, often exaggerated claims about their eco-friendly practices to win you over. And if you're a busy, modern professional living in the heart of a major city, you shouldn't have to spend your time validating every sustainability claim a brand throws at you. The trust between a brand and its community should be built on transparency, not marketing gimmicks. Yet, far too often, brands use sustainability as a sales strategy, leaving consumers in the dark about the true environmental impact of their products. The result? Sustainability has become a dirty word, tainted by broken promises.

That's where ELVARDI flips the script.

For us, it's not just about saying the right things. It's about doing the right things. Every material we choose and every design decision we make is backed by data and full lifecycle assessments that account for the journey of a product from the cradle to the grave. We look at the entire process—from sourcing raw materials, our design process, and production to the end of the product's life—and we share that information with you because you deserve to know exactly what you're investing in.
It's a commitment to both you and the environment, built on a foundation of evidence and transparency.

Why Leather Still Leads the Way in Sustainable Shoes

Let's talk about leather. In a time when synthetic alternatives are being championed, leather might seem like a controversial choice. But here's the truth: when sourced and produced ethically, leather is still one of the most sustainable materials in the world.

At ELVARDI, we proudly use leather that's regulated by the Leather Working Group (LWG), which ensures that every stage of the leather-making process adheres to the highest environmental standards. This isn't just talk—LWG certification means that the leather we use is produced with stringent controls on water usage, energy efficiency, chemical management, and waste reduction. It's not just about making a beautiful product; it's about doing so in a way that respects the planet. 

Unlike synthetic materials—many of which are derived from non-renewable resources and contribute to the plastic pollution crisis—leather offers unmatched durability. A well-crafted leather sneaker can last for years, even decades, without needing to be replaced. And when you think about sustainability in terms of longevity, it's clear why leather stands out. By choosing ethically sourced leather, we're extending the life of our products and reducing the need for fast-fashion replacements—key tenets of any circular economy model.

Exploring Plant-Based Leather Alternatives: A Future-Focused Approach

But we're not resting on our laurels. We're also excited about the rise of plant-based leather alternatives like Piñatex (pineapple leather) and Mylo (mushroom leather). These innovative materials have the potential to revolutionise the industry by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While we're actively exploring these alternatives, we're keeping a keen eye on science-backed evidence to ensure they live up to our high standards.

Currently, these alternatives aren't without their challenges. For instance, most rely on synthetic resins, such as polyurethane, to enhance durability, which compromises biodegradability and introduces microplastic pollution concerns.
Piñatex (pineapple leather) is around 80% plant-based but still relies on synthetic resins. Mylo (mushroom leather) is a promising material made from mycelium, but it requires more research to understand its production scalability and overall sustainability at scale.

While we are excited about these developments, it is essential to have full lifecycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate the true environmental impacts of these materials before fully committing to their use. For now, we continue to rely on leather for its proven premium elegance, durability and regulated production processes, but we are actively exploring these alternatives with a keen eye on science-backed evidence.

Beyond Fashion: ELVARDI's Circular Approach to Product Lifecycle

A Holistic Approach to Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction

We're dedicated to working with manufacturers who share our vision of sustainability. From adopting solar energy to implementing waste and water efficiency practices, every phase of our production process aligns with our commitment to lowering our environmental footprint. We're always striving to maximise energy efficiency from design to production, ensuring that sustainable practices are at the heart of everything we do.

Looking Ahead: Bridging the Gap Between Greenwashing and Verified Facts

Building a Future That's Rooted in Science

So, what's next for ELVARDI? As we continue our sustainability journey, we're not just following trends but leading with science. By emphasising the real, measurable impact of our material choices and investing in circular design, we're positioning ourselves as a transparent, forward-thinking brand committed to making stylish and responsible shoes.

Whether it's the continued use of ethically sourced leather or exploring plant-based alternatives, you can trust that every pair of ELVARDI sneakers is designed with the future in mind.

Join us as we take one step at a time toward a sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference – and look fabulous while doing it. 

Your Steps. Our Story.