When we hear “vegan leather,” we often picture a cruelty-free, animal-free material—a cleaner, more conscious alternative to traditional leather.
But the truth is more nuanced.
Most vegan leathers today are made from petroleum-based plastics like PVC or PU. While they avoid animal products, they still harm the planet, leaving a legacy of pollution and waste.
So we asked ourselves: What would a truly responsible alternative look like?
At HLK, we don’t claim to have all the answers. But we believe in progress—one thoughtful decision at a time. Our commitment is to keep designing better, with care, purpose, and transparency.
Our approach to vegan leather rests on three core principles:
1. Plant-Based, Low-Impact Materials
We craft our leather alternatives using cactus from Jeju Island, Hanji (Korean traditional paper), and agricultural byproducts. However, it’s not about ticking a vegan certification box. For us, it’s about choosing materials that are local, biodegradable, and circular by nature.
2. Design That Elevates the Material
Plant-based leathers often struggle with durability and finish. That’s why we invest in surface technologies and structural design—proving that sustainable materials can also be refined, resilient, and beautiful.
Our Bandal Card Holder and new lines crafted from Jeju cactus and hanji leather have earned hundreds of glowing reviews for their tactile quality, design, and lasting strength.
3. Real-World Testing, Not Just Prototypes
We don’t just develop materials—we launch real products, share them with real people, and listen closely.
From crowdfunding campaigns on Wadiz to showcases at Shoppe Object (New York) and Who’s Next (Paris), we’ve gathered insights from global buyers, press, and customers alike.
We're also working on the next wave: materials that combine upcycled content with bio-based binders—pushing the limits of what vegan leather can be.
In the end, sustainability must do more than claim to be “eco-friendly.”
It must be desirable, functional, and built to last.
At HLK, every material we develop must answer one question above all: Is this something you’ll want to carry—again and again?
We like to put it simply:
Have we created the perfect vegan leather? Not yet.
But are we moving toward something better, by design? Absolutely.
At HLK, we’re not chasing perfection—we’re designing better choices for the everyday.