This year, the progressive fashion label Melina Bucher receives Europe's biggest award for ecological and social commitment with the designer bag BAILEY, which is designed for the circular economy.

December 2022 – The German Sustainability Award Design was presented for the third time at a festive award ceremony in Düsseldorf on December 1^st. BAILEY, the handbag of the future, received the coveted award.

The new generation of the vegan designer bags of the Mannheim-based label is revolutionizing the leather industry. BAILEY combines a unique, exclusive design with innovative materials and the finest craftsmanship. Melina Bucher is the first German brand that utilized MIRUM®, a 100% plastic-free and bio-based vegan leather. The sustainable material comes from purely natural ingredients and does not contain any synthetic components. The manufacturing process requires approximately 90% less CO₂ emissions than animal leather. It is designed for the circular economy: after use, it can be recycled or safely returned to nature

"Our vision is to develop fully circular leather accessories and thus make an active contribution to a better fashion world. Receiving this prestigious award for our work fills me with enormous pride. My team and my partners put a lot of work, heart and love into this project until every detail was perfect. More importantly, the award sends an important signal to the industry: vegan solutions are the future. And they are now on center stage", says Melina Bucher.

The German Sustainability Award represents an outstanding achievement for sustainable transformation and is considered as the most renowned award in Europe. It is based on the goals of the Agenda 2030 and is closely linked to the German Federal Government. At the award ceremony, visionaries present their innovative and sustainable products as well as services and systems that can make consumption sustainable and contribute to the necessary transformation. Ecological innovations are not only necessary, but also possible. This is more than clear from the diversity of the projects presented here for the third time. 17 winners were awarded at the ceremony and honored for their special sustainable design – including the BAILEY bag by Melina Bucher. The designer bag is highlighted as one of the first vegan leather accessories designed for the circular economy. Sustainable design meets vegan innovation.

Press and image material is available at this link. For more information about the BAILEY bag check out our dedicated page.