FineWoven is here, as Apple phases out leather in watch bands & cases
As Apple ends its use of leather, it has introduced a new FineWoven material that has a much lower carbon footprint, coupled with new partner bands for Apple Watch.

FineWoven magnetic loop
During its Wonderlust event, Apple had a smattering of new band announcements to pair with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Environmental impact was a big talking point for Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson.
Apple has officially discontinued its use of leather in any new iPhone case or Apple Watch band. In doing so, it has replaced many of its leather products with new versions using a material it created called FineWoven.

Apple Hermes bands
FineWoven has a subtle satin-like finish and is made from more than 60 percent recycled material. Apple has a new modern buckle and magnetic loop band using FineWoven material in a variety of colors.
It also plans on continuing its long-standing partnership with fashion powerhouse Hermes. Gone are the leather bands and there are instead three new woven bands and a rugged molded silicone offering.

New Nike bands
These aren't the only new bands Apple showed off during the prerecorded livestream, it also highlighted new bands for Apple Watch Ultra that use more recycled material and a series of new Nike bands in new patterns and designs.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
It's like their lightning and USB-C cables that are made out of recycled butterfly wings but only last a couple of years before they break.
Cows are mostly raised for their meat and milk. Using their leather just means that there is less waste when the edible parts are harvested.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095965262102120X
Well good for you.
Actually it's mostly burps being ruminants and all.
What amounts of Methane do humans expel through farts I wonder lol.
The problems have always been the processing and delivery post-cow, not the cow. Cows are carbon-positive.
Where is the 40% non-recycled part coming from if it's ground carbon then this is significantly worse
If it is better it has to be coming post-cow or it really is Greenwashing in that it has taken the emotive part out of the system but not ground-carbon.
If they were committed they'd sell watches without bands as an option to recycle the bands you have
Oh, and they have double tour in 45mm models, which Apple never offered, doubt you can finance it though.
Again, not signaling when it’s just a fact - decreased carbon footprint. You can get butthurt by that all you want but it is what it is. And your neighbors sound like sensible people.