# Plant-Based Puffer Vests The 'Air Gilet' is Stuffed With a Cruelty-Free Leather Alternative By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2023-04-07 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-puffer-vest References: [yarnsandfibers](https://www.yarnsandfibers.com/news/textile-news/pangaia-natural-fiber-welding-launches-plant-based-leather-clothing/) & [pangaia](https://pangaia.com/products/the-air-gilet-black#why-this-matters) [Pangaia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timberland-2) and [Natural Fiber Welding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carb-alternatives) have teamed up to launch the 'Air Gilet,' a unique new puffer vest that offers some of the aesthetics and functional advantages of leather but happens to be completely free of animal products, instead making use of plant-based technologies. The inside of the 'Air Gilet' puffer vest is lined with organic cotton fleece and stuffed with Natural Fiber Welding's unique plant-based leather alternative known as 'FLWRDOWN.' Priced at $800, the 'Air Gilet' puffer vest is truly a revolutionary product that manages to offer both eyecatching style and reliable functionality with the use of plant-based leather. It's no coincidence that both Pangaia as well as Natural Fiber Welding are members of the [Plastic Free Collective](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/consumer-goods-forum), which brings together businesses who are serious about spearheading and utilizing plastic alternatives. It follows that this stylish puffer vest is a fine example of how sustainability-minded collectives can bring together businesses who can collaborate on products for the greater good. Image Credit: Pangaia ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 15% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plant-based Fashion:** The rise of plant-based fashion presents opportunities for alternative leather and fabric materials. - **Sustainable Apparel:** The demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly clothing encourages innovation in materials and production processes. - **Collaborative Eco-design:** Collaboration between eco-conscious businesses can lead to groundbreaking sustainable designs and products. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can explore plant-based materials and sustainable production practices to create eco-friendly clothing. - **Textile Manufacturing:** Textile manufacturing can develop and produce plant-based alternatives to traditional fabrics and materials. - **Green Initiatives:** Green initiatives and sustainable development organizations can promote the adoption of eco-friendly materials and products in various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [PETA-Approved Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-leather-alternative.md) - [Plant-Based Fur Luxury Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biofluff.md) - [Circular Outerwear Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/templa-1.md) - [Circular Winter Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everpuff.md) - [Featherlight Ultra-Rare Down Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eiderdown-puffer-jacket.md) - [Plastic-Free Circular Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stella-mccartney-3.md) - [Vegan Leather Collection Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fw25-vegan-leather.md) - [Hybrid Vest Jacket Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/columbia-csc1938-dually-mountain-outerchange.md) - [Cruelty-Free Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crueltyfree-leather-alternative.md)