Our Story
In a world driven by over consumption and fleeting fashion trends, I found myself wanting to create something more purposeful, lasting and versatile. Something that can keep up with a modern woman’s fast-paced life as she juggles multiple roles—professional, social, and personal. This was the spark that ignited the creation of ÄRLIGA.
Each bag is designed to be a timeless piece that embodies simplicity on the outside, while providing a variety of compartments inside to help women stay organized. Our mission is to empower women, providing them with beautiful and functional choices that support their commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
At ÄRLIGA, we believe that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. We’re dedicated to crafting high quality vegan leather bags that are not only beautiful but also functional and versatile. Our designs are tailored for the woman who doesn’t want to compromise—who desires pieces that adapt to her dynamic lifestyle while making a statement.
Join us on this journey toward conscious style, where every bag tells a story of resilience, elegance, and kindness. With ÄRLIGA, you’re not just choosing a bag; you’re choosing to be part of a movement towards compassionate, mindful living.
Our Materials
Uppeal
Uppeal™ is a water-resistant, biobased vegan leather made from apple waste. It originated in the region of Bolzano in northern Italy, one of the world’s largest producers of apple products. Skins and pulp discarded from the food and juice industry that would normally end up in landfills—are pureed, dehydrated, and ground into a fine powder. This powder is then sent to a factory in Florence, Italy to create Uppeal™
With 30,000 tons of apple byproduct produced annually, our factory’s process helps reduce disposal costs and significantly lowers environmental impact. For every kilogram of apple byproduct used to replace polyurethane (PU), 5.28 kg of CO₂ emissions are saved. The result is a vegan, sustainable material that serves as a widely used, eco-conscious alternative to real leather.
While a small amount of PU is still needed to give the material a leather-like quality, the team at Uppeal™ is continuously innovating with the goal of developing a fully circular material. This is just the beginning—as our company evolves, so will our products and materials, ensuring we always offer our customers top-quality, sustainable choices.
Our Values
Designed to last
We believe in having fewer but better quality pieces that are responsibly made. We make sure this is reflected in the quality of materials we use and the production process. That's why we run a small collection of high quality, timeless, multipurpose pieces that have been tested and perfected through many iterations.
Cruelty free material
We believe that fashion should reflect not just style, but also our commitment to the planet and its creatures. We only use PETA-approved vegan materials that are leading the way in innovation. Our team is continuously researching the latest, most innovative fabrics to incorporate into future designs.
Sustainable production
Our bags are handcrafted in small batches to preserve quality and authenticity while reducing waste. The material is sourced from Italy, and our bags are made in an award-winning, factory that has achieved BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) and SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) certifications—showcasing its commitment to ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible manufacturing practices.
We’re proud that our partners share our passion for creating with integrity and caring for the planet. Not only are they committed to superior craftsmanship, but they are also constantly evolving their materials and processes so we can continue reducing our impact on the environment.