In the heart of Zagreb, two young entrepreneurs, Tamara Vučetić and Andrej Marić, are making waves in the world of sustainable fashion with their groundbreaking innovation: plant-based leather derived from beer byproducts. Their brand, Sabant, is on the cusp of securing a world-first patent for this unique material, aptly named Beer Skin™.

Sabant Beer Skin™

The idea behind Beer Skin™ originated from a desire to create a sustainable alternative to traditional leather, which often involves environmentally harmful processes. Recognizing the potential of upcycling waste from the beer industry, Vučetić and Marić have developed a material that not only offers a cruelty-free alternative to animal leather but also contributes to reducing industrial waste. This innovation marks a significant step forward in the quest for more sustainable materials in fashion and beyond.

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Beer Skin™ has already caught the attention of the Croatian fashion industry. Among its early adopters is Mirjam Krajina, the founder of the Zagreb-based fashion brand Raw Bag™. Krajina was quick to see the potential in Sabant's vision and collaborated with the brand to create the world's first handbag made entirely from Beer Skin™. This unique product showcases not only the versatility of the material but also its appeal to designers seeking sustainable alternatives.

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The innovation doesn't stop there. Designer Ira Rumora has also embraced Beer Skin™ in her latest exclusive Fall/Winter 2024 collection. Known for her eclectic and forward-thinking designs, Rumora incorporated Beer Skin™ into a series of hats as part of her "Survival Tactics" collection. These hats, with their distinctive texture and sustainable credentials, have generated considerable interest in the fashion world, further establishing Beer Skin™ as a material to watch. The collection was visually captured by the creative group Future Folklore.

The World's First Soccer Ball Made from Beer Skin™

Beyond fashion, Sabant's innovative approach has attracted attention from other industries as well. Croatian soccer player Marko Pjaca, who has returned to play for Dinamo Zagreb, is among the early investors in the brand. Recognizing the potential impact of Sabant's mission, Pjaca chose to mark his return to Zagreb with a special gift: the world's first soccer ball made from Beer Skin™. This gesture not only highlights the material's versatility but also its potential to revolutionize products beyond the fashion industry.

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Sabant's success with Beer Skin™ is just the beginning. The brand is already working on developing other innovative materials that could further enhance the sustainability of the textile and fashion industries. Their ambition is to expand into other sectors that rely on leather, offering eco-friendly alternatives that reduce the environmental impact of traditional leather production.

As Sabant continues to innovate, their work is setting a new standard for sustainable materials. With a growing list of collaborations and a commitment to environmental responsibility, Vučetić and Marić are not just creating a product—they're pioneering a movement towards a more sustainable future. For more information about Sabant's products, their collaborations with Raw Bag™ and Ira Rumora, and the brand's ongoing projects, you can visit their Instagram page @sabant.skins or their website at sabant.com.

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