It started a while ago…

At James&Co, we’re redefining fashion and lifestyle with products made exclusively from sustainable materials—no plastic, 100% plant-based, and timeless in design.

Our journey has been one of transformation, innovation, and resilience. Since our launch in 2012, we’ve undergone remarkable pivots, always staying true to our mantra: “I do not give up.”

Originally, James&Co began as both a B2C and B2B brand, specializing in women’s vegan and cruelty-free faux leather jackets and accessories (see some images below). From the outset, our mission was clear: to seamlessly blend style, sustainability, and ethical practices.

As awareness grew around the environmental impact of synthetic "vegan leather," we made a bold decision—discontinuing our plastic-based jackets and accessories. 

Recognizing the potential of emerging plant-based fabrics, James&Co transitioned to a B2B model, introducing sustainable materials such as washable paper, cork leather, organic textiles like cotton and hemp, and soon, innovative tomato leather to the Australian market. However, adoption within relevant industries has been slow, leading to a strategic shift toward more distinct sustainable materials.

To refine its focus, James&Co restructured into three specialized brands:

  • James&Co – continuing to develop premium, plant-based, plastic-free leather alternatives in washable paper and tomato leather.
  • CORKSTORE – dedicated exclusively to cork-based products.
  • Earth Totes – specializing in organic textile-based offerings.

This strategic separation enables each brand to sharpen its niche, catering more effectively to sustainability-conscious consumers and businesses seeking eco-friendly alternatives in their respective product categories.


James&Co products in leather look 

For more of the story of the James&Co beginning, how and why our brand's products do make a difference for the future of our planet, read the books written by our founder Anne Hurley and available on Amazon: 

 For The Planet By 2030: We Need To Switch To Sustainable Alternative Leather. 

 

 

 

Digest Of Sustainable Fashion Lies: Consumer Guide To Hoisting Greenwashing Brands On Their Own Petard 









I write about reusable living and everyday sustainability


Through James&Co and brands I write about practical sustainability — the small everyday choices that can reduce waste and help retailers offer products that reflect changing consumer values.

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Why reusable products matter

Sustainability is often discussed in big global terms, but many changes begin with simple everyday habits.

Everyday accessories and necessities can play an important role in reducing waste while encouraging more responsible consumer behaviour.

James&Co, Earth Totes and CORKSTORE each focus on those everyday products.

Why CORKSTORE, Earth Totes, James&Co brands exist

The brands Anne founded are not just businesses.

They are a response to the environmental damage caused by leather, plastic-based faux leather and disposable fashion accessories.

Through James&Co, CORKSTORE , and Earth Totes Anne demonstrates that retailers can offer accessories made from materials that are plastic-free, plant-based, renewable, biodegradable.

Each brand explores a different sustainable material.

James&Co : washable paper innovation

CORKSTORE: natural cork leather

Earth Totes: organic cotton and textiles

  • Black 'JAMES&CO' text on a light gray background

    Innovative sustainable material accessories such as washable paper

  • earth toteslogo

    Every essential accessories in organic materials of organic cotton & more

  • Natural cork accessories offering a renewable alternative to leather