Our Story

The Journey to the Design

In early 2023, we set out to create a better wallet – one that's slim yet super practical, holding cards, cash, and coins with no fuss. We didn't want to sacrifice easily accessible storage for coins and other small items for a slim look.

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The journey to the Material

As we worked on our first prototypes, we explored different materials we could use. For us it was devastating to find out how bad traditional leather is for the planet, and most faux leathers are just plastic, which isn't great either. After trying out lots of eco-friendly options, we finally found the perfect match: Malai!

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To our Identity

When we combined the innovative design and sustainable material the identity of Pekunia Wallet was born. We put in a lot of effort to kick off sales by the end of 2023. We're super proud to see our idea come to life and grateful to everyone grabbing a Pekunia Wallet – you're making it all happen!

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Why eco-friendly?

In a world increasingly conscious of environmental issues, the choice of materials for everyday items such as wallets carries significant weight. The traditional use of leather and its faux counterparts, typically made from plastics, has long dominated the market. However in recent years there has been a significant shift to biodegradable and sustainable materials. This shift aligns with the global movement towards environmental responsibility and offers a range of benefits that extend beyond personal convenience to include ecological preservation and reduced environmental impact.

Environmental Impact of Leather

Traditional leather production is notorious for its detrimental effects on the environment. The tanning process involves the use of harsh chemicals, such as chromium, which can lead to water pollution and soil degradation. Additionally, raising livestock for leather production contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, faux leather, often made from petroleum-based plastics like polyurethane and PVC, raises concerns about non-renewable resource depletion, energy-intensive manufacturing processes, and the generation of non-biodegradable waste.

It doesn't have to be like this

Amidst these challenges, our commitment to change is reflected in the use of Malai material for Pekunia Wallets. Malai, derived from coconut water and natural fibers, presents a sustainable alternative that breaks away from the environmentally harmful practices of traditional leather and faux leather. Change is possible, and every sustainable choice matters. It's a step towards a future where fashion and responsibility coexist harmoniously, making a positive impact on the world we share.

Meet the founders

Hey there,

we are Benedikt and Vico. We are two students from Hamburg and Kiel and are the founders of Pekunia Wallet. One of our main motivations for starting Pekunia Wallet was our interest in innovative startups which try out new ideas. Long before this startup we were intrigued by the process of designing a product and then launching a business.

With Pekunia Wallet we were finally able to do exactly that. We put all of our efforts into making this happen and are very grateful to everyone who supports us.

Benedikt and Vico Signature

Benedikt

What do you do besides Pekunia Wallet?

I spend quite a lot of my time studying law in Hamburg. Besides that I like to go Kitesurfing and I'm also interested in Politics.

What's your favourite song?

I wouldn't say that I have a single favourite song but I listen a lot to Dire Strait and songs like Sultans of Swing. Besides that I enjoy listening to podcasts about a range of topics.

Which wallet color do you carry daily?

Currently my favourite color is the Dark Indigo with the Turquoise strap. For me, it sits perfectly in the sweet spot, offering a distinctive color that sets it apart from the majority of wallets without being overly flashy.

Vico

What do you do besides Pekunia Wallet?

I'm an Industrial Design Student in Kiel. My passions are Kitesurfing and riding my road bike.

Name 3 Items that you would take on a deserted Island?

That's a tough one. Probably a pair of boardshorts. If there are waves a surfboard and perhaps an axe which should actually be useful for surviving.

Do you have a useful trick regarding the Pekunia Wallet?

When I'm out at night and want to keep my load as light as possible, I hook my keys onto the barbs at either end of the rubber band. This way, I have one less thing to potentially lose!