There was a surprise announcement at Apple’s annual event, held on the penultimate day of New York Fashion Week. The tech giant announced that it would ban the use of leather for all of its accessories, including watch straps and phone cases.
In an effort to reach its net-zero emissions target by 2030, Apple introduced a new textile called FineWoven, a fiber of non-animal origin that will completely replace leather from now on.
“To further reduce its impact on the planet, Apple will end the use of leather across all of its product lines, including iPhone accessories and Apple Watch bands. “The company will replace leather with a new textile called FineWoven, an elegant and durable twill fabric made from 68 percent recycled material,” Apple said in a statement.
The company did not comment on its Apple Watch partnership with luxury company Hermès, which produces a range of exclusive straps, including leather straps.
“Leather is a popular material for accessories, but it has a significant carbon footprint, especially at Apple’s scale. To reduce our impact, we will no longer use leather on new Apple products, including watch bands,” confirmed Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment.
This translated article originally appeared on FashionUnited.uk.