What is Vegan Leather? 19 Common FAQs Answered
What is vegan leather? What is it made from? And is vegan leather eco-friendly or just cruelty-free? At Paguro, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common FAQ’s surrounding vegan leather.
Vegan-friendly accessories
Our accessories are crafted from reclaimed and sustainable materials, reducing waste while avoiding the use of new animal-derived materials wherever possible.
Global artisan workshops
We partner with skilled craftspeople across Indonesia, Colombia and beyond — honouring traditional techniques and reimagining them through contemporary design. Meet our artisans →
Reclaimed Industrial Waste
From motorbike tyres to skateboard decks, every piece begins its life as industrial waste. We transform it into something you’ll wear for years. Explore our materials →
Our most-loved upcycled pieces
Best sellers
Bold, handcrafted & sustainable
Upcycled statement jewellery
Unique, handcrafted upcycled jewellery made from recycled materials such as inner tubes, bike chains and brass. Each piece is designed to stand out — a contemporary upcycled fashion brand where sustainable style meets artistic craftsmanship.
Adventure-proof. City-smart.
A stylish upcycled bag for every journey
Handcrafted upcycled bags made from recycled inner tubes and army tents — durable, eco-friendly and built for your morning commute, weekend getaways and everything in between. A stylish carryall bag that tells a story of transformation.
Founder Yen’s global vision for sustainable design
12 years of upcycled style and craftsmanship
For over 12 years, Founder Yen has united passionate artisans across the world to transform discarded materials — inner tubes, brass, wood and more — into extraordinary, one-of-a-kind accessories. Traditional craft meets contemporary design: that is Paguro.
Watch our artisans transform industrial waste into handcrafted pieces that celebrate style, sustainability and centuries-old craft traditions.
Giving new life to discarded materials
Over a decade of sustainable design
Upcycling since 2012
Based on verified customer reviews
95% recommend us
From waste stream to wearable art
8 Industrial materials
Paguro Upcycle
Why choose an upcycled fashion brand?
At Paguro, every piece we create helps reduce your carbon footprint, offering a stylish bag or accessory that tells a story of transformation. We believe in regenerative design principles — turning discarded materials into objects of lasting beauty and function. Contemporary upcycled fashion and home accessories, ethically produced and made to last.
Award-winning accessories
Featured in The Guardian, BBC and exhibited at Tate Modern and GOMA. Our most-loved handcrafted pieces, built to last a lifetime.
Traditional craft, modern design
We preserve heritage craftsmanship from Indonesia and beyond, reimagining age-old techniques into bold, contemporary accessories for the conscious consumer.
Circular by design
Every step, from waste sourcing to finished product, minimises environmental impact. This isn’t eco as an afterthought — it’s built into every seam and stitch.
Accredited by & featured in
Shop by material
Sustainable style crafted from reclaimed materials
Our upcycled fashion brand brings new life to discarded materials through timeless design. Discover upcycled bags and jewellery made from inner tubes, skateboards and reclaimed materials — where sustainability meets elevated craftsmanship.
Recycled inner tube bags
Handcrafted using recycled rubber in an eco-friendly and cruelty-free process. Reclaimed inner tubes are a popular leather substitute, owing to their similar texture and unique markings.
Recycled skateboard earrings
Handcrafted by a skater passionate about upcycling. He collects old boards from fellow skaters and uses his craftsmanship to give them a second life as stunning jewellery.
Vegan leather jewellery
Handcrafted with recycled rubber in an eco-friendly, cruelty-free process. An ideal gift for vegans or anyone who appreciates artistic, unique jewellery with a genuine sustainability story.
Fresh from our artisan workshops
Latest arrivals
View from the Rock Pool
What is Upcycling and How Does it Work? 12 Common FAQs
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Sustainable Father's Day Gifts 2026: 28 Eco-Friendly Ideas for Every Kind of Dad
Stuck for Father's Day gift ideas in 2026? Our guide rounds up 28 sustainable Father's Day gifts for him — unique, upcycled and vegan presents handmade from reclaimed materials, sorted by the kind of dad you're buying for. From eco-friendly wallets, belts and bags to one-of-a-kind accessories under £20: genuinely...
Zero Waste Lifestyle Tips: Embrace Handcrafted Sustainable Gifts
Zero Waste Lifestyle Tips: The Art of Handcrafted Sustainable Gifts Living a zero waste lifestyle is about making mindful choices that reduce waste and promote sustainability. Adopting this lifestyle often leads to an increased focus on sustainable gifting practices. In this post, we will explore the fascinating world of handcrafted...
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
What is an upcycled bag and how is it made?
An upcycled bag is made from discarded materials such as rubber, fabric or metal. These materials are cleaned, cut and redesigned into durable, stylish bags.
Is upcycled jewellery safe and durable?
Yes. Our upcycled jewellery is made from solid reclaimed materials such as brass, bike chains and wood. Each piece is designed for regular wear.
What is the difference between recycled and upcycled fashion?
Recycled products are broken down and remade from scratch. Upcycled fashion retains the original material and transforms it into a new product with minimal processing — keeping more of the material’s character and reducing energy use.
Why choose an upcycled fashion brand in the UK?
An upcycled fashion brand creates products without relying on new raw materials, reducing waste and supporting responsible production. Paguro has been doing this since 2012.
What can I buy from an upcycle shop?
You can shop upcycled bags, upcycled jewellery, belts, wallets, keyrings and home accessories — all made from reclaimed materials by skilled artisans.
Are upcycled accessories suitable for everyday use?
Yes. Our upcycled accessories are built for daily use. Materials such as rubber and metal make them strong and long-lasting, and many are water-resistant too.
Are upcycled bags waterproof or weather-resistant?
Many of our upcycled bags made from inner tubes or treated canvas are water-resistant, making them ideal for daily use and travel.