This New Startup Makes Premium Accessories From Apple Waste

London-based Oliver Co. is new start-up joining a wave of sustainable brands who have desirability and style at their core. The brand combines the cruelty-free materials with a unique minimalistic design.

The brand created a range of premium accessories made from ‘apple leather’. The innovative vegan material is crafted using recovered apple waste from the fruit juice industry. 

The company was founded by Matt Oliver, a product designer, who having studied sustainability and previously worked in high-end watch design, wanted to apply both his skills to create a responsible brand with the same level of detail and craftsmanship. 

The by-product used to create apple leather comes from Bolzano in Italy, one of the world’s largest apple-producing regions. 

When the apples are pressed for their juice, there are solids left over. This apple pomace, as it’s called, is usually sent to landfill or burnt. However, due to its high cellulose content, it has become an ideal material for up-cycling into new fabrics and reducing the reliability of fossil fuels. The fabric is also OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring there are no harmful and toxic substances and meaning that it requires much less energy and water to produce compared to other faux leathers on the market. 

Beyond their design and quality, Oliver Co. aims to reduce their impact through forward-thinking initiatives. Last year they committed to giving back 1% of their revenue each year to NGO’s, and are set to become Climate Neutral in April 2020. 

The company also believes that customers have a right to know how much their products cost to make. They offer full price transparency, showing that by selling direct to their customer, they are able to spend more money on the things that matter most; ethical craftsmanship and quality materials. 

The Oliver Co. collection includes their Slim Cardholder, Passport Holder and signature Compact Wallet, available in various colour-ways for Spring 21. Products start at £19 and can be bought online via the company's website.