In the age of planned obsolescence, everything we use is designed to fail eventually. We now know that doesn't mean it can't be used again. We work with green factories, we make products that last, we use recycled paper. However, it's still not enough, with linear economy built on the 'take, make, and dispose' approach. This is the approach we're working towards: getting the most out of what we already have, instead of creating more waste in the world.
The windshields of these cars have an invisible layer of something called PVB (or polyvinyl butyral), which keeps the glass from shattering on impact. It makes recycling windshields more of a challenge, but PVB is super versatile, and its minimal carbon footprint makes it a far greener alternative to the more commonly-used and toxic PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The best way to remove PVB from windshields is to scrape it off the glass.
Every year, nine million cars are scrapped in Europe alone. Two kilograms of viable recyclable material can be foraged from each windshield. Repurposing that material is just one way in which we can reuse and innovate with what we have. It's a necessary shift towards a circular economy that's better-equipped to sustain itself.
When you separate PVB from the glass of the windshield, you get a strong, biodegradable material that can be processed back into the cycle of use. The 'leather' we've made with this is scratch-resistant - we know, because we tried to use a knife to tear it. This durable, long-lasting material is what we've used to bring you our first vegan line: the Ekster Recycled Edition.
It's not leather, but you wouldn't know if we didn't tell you. It's a testament to the viability of sustainable practices that the 'leather' we processed from PVB resin is indistinguishable from real cowhide. This vegan leather is also water-resistant, keeping your wallet free of the stains that real leather often shows with long-term everyday use. You can rest easy knowing that it was ethically-sourced, and you'll be able to recycle it when you decide to move on to another wallet.
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