Buyer FAQ: Swatches, Samples & Certifications
Frequently Asked Questions for Buyers
Answers to the questions we hear most often from brands sourcing sustainable leather alternatives and eco textiles — from swatches and sampling through certifications and bulk supply. If your question is not covered here, contact the susmaterials team and we will point you to the right material and documentation.
What materials do you supply?
We supply two material families: sustainable leather alternatives — including Cactus Leather, Apple Leather and Pineapple Leaf Leather — and eco textiles such as Recycled Polyester (rPET) and Organic Cotton, in a range of weights, finishes and colours. We can also advise on emerging bio-based and next-generation options as your range evolves.
How do I get swatches?
Send us your product type and the materials you are considering via the contact page. We will confirm the best-fit options and dispatch swatch cards so your team can evaluate colour, texture and hand-feel before sampling.
Do you support small brands and first collections?
Yes. We work with flexible minimums designed to support emerging labels as well as established brands. Tell us your expected scale and we will propose an order structure that fits.
How does sampling work?
After swatch approval, we supply sample yardage for prototyping. Sampling is fast, and our team stays available for technical questions — cutting, stitching, edge finishing and bonding — throughout development.
What certifications and test documentation can you provide?
We work with GRS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, SGS third-party testing and EU REACH compliance, depending on the material. Documentation is available on request for qualified buyers. See the certifications we support for details by system.
Can you share performance and test data?
Yes. We describe performance qualitatively on each material page, and full test data — abrasion, colourfastness, composition and more — is available on request for the specific material and batch you are evaluating.
How do I place an order?
Orders follow a simple path: sourcing conversation, swatches, sampling, then bulk supply. Once your sample is approved, we confirm specification, quantity and schedule, and move into production with batch consistency checks.
What are your lead times?
Lead times depend on material, finish and quantity. Swatches and samples move quickly; bulk production is scheduled at confirmation and we keep you updated at each stage. Share your timeline early and we will plan around it.
Can materials be customized?
Yes. Colour, embossing, finish, backing and width can be customized on most materials in our range. Customization options are confirmed during sampling, so request the variations you need when you ask for swatches.
Are your materials affiliated with branded products like Piñatex®?
No. We supply our own pineapple-leaf and other plant-based leather alternatives and are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Piñatex® or any third-party brand. Any trademarks are named only to describe comparable material categories; ask us for the exact composition and test data of what we offer.
Where can I learn more about each material?
Each material has a dedicated page covering production, applications, hand-feel and certification options — start with Cactus Leather, Apple Leather or Recycled Polyester (rPET), or request our Selection Guide by email via the contact page.