Manufacturers can change their ingredients at any time so please always double check for yourself before buying anything.
Whether you enjoy a vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian or meat-based diet, there’s one thing we can all agree on: veganism is great for both people and the planet. Requiring less land, fewer resources, and vastly lower greenhouse gas emissions, the carbon footprint of a vegetarian diet is 60% smaller than that of a meat-based diet. Nevertheless, there is one issue that divides the vegan community.
Leather. Or, more specifically, vegan leather.
While, in theory, vegan leather seems like a great alternative to animal fabrics, this isn’t always the case. In an effort to reduce costs and maximize profits, fashion brands are designing faux leather products using synthetic materials such as polyurethane and other plastics. These artificial ingredients are often highly toxic to humans and the environment, prompting many to question the ethics of making such products.
Here’s what you need to know about vegan leather and why it’s dividing the vegan community.
skin problems
Since leather is an animal product, most vegans consider it a by-product of cow farming. Although cows are primarily farmed for meat or dairy products, they provide more value for the leather trade.
Since cows produce an estimated 150 billion gallons of methane per day, leather is a contributing factor to global warming. Furthermore, the leather manufacturing process requires a lot of water, with 12,370 liters of water required to produce a pair of leather boots. To give you something to compare this to, it takes 2,494 liters to make a cotton t-shirt.
Vegan Leather Alternatives
Vegan leather is designed to mimic the look, feel and texture of real leather, providing a cruelty-free, eco-friendly alternative to animal products.
What is vegan leather made of?
Vegan leather can be made from a variety of materials, each offering its own unique benefits. Some of the common materials used in the production of vegan leather include:
Plant-based materials
Plant-based ingredients make the best vegan leather products. Vegan leather alternatives can be made from pineapple leaf (Piñatex), apple peel, cork and mushroom leather. These innovative materials offer a more durable and sustainable alternative to plastic-based synthetics.
Polyurethane (PU)
This type of vegan leather is made by coating a fabric backing, usually polyester or cotton, with a layer of polyurethane. PU leather is known for its soft texture, durability and water resistance.
Making polyurethane (PU) fabric is an energy-intensive process that exacerbates the climate crisis, making it an unsustainable and highly problematic alternative to leather.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Also known as vinyl, PVC is another popular material used in the production of vegan leather. It is made by applying a PVC coating to a fabric base. PVC leather is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Containing various harmful chemicals, PVC is extremely hazardous to human and animal health. PVC manufacturers are known to have higher cancer rates due to exposure to these chemicals.
Is vegan leather sustainable?
There’s a reason leather is so popular: it’s extremely durable and long-lasting. While vegan leather may not have the same level of durability as genuine leather, advances in technology have significantly improved the strength and longevity of plant-based leather. High-quality vegan leather products are designed to withstand regular use and can be as durable as many traditional leather items.
Will vegan leather last?
The longevity of vegan leather goods depends on several factors, including the quality of the material, the construction of the item, and how well it is cared for.
With proper maintenance and regular care, vegan leather items can last for a significant period of time. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance to ensure the longevity of your vegan leather product.
Additionally, choosing high-quality vegan leather products from reputable brands can increase their chances of long-lasting durability.
Second-hand leather
Another option for vegan leather is to buy leather goods second-hand. This option is a bit controversial, with many vegans arguing about the ethics of buying and wearing leather products.
On the one hand, vegans argue that people who buy and wear leather support animal cruelty through personal influence and style. They also argue that wearing any animal product—regardless of its new or used condition—supports the production of those products in the first place.
Other vegans argue that buying second-hand leather goods helps reduce the production of fast-fashion and reduce excess costs by investing in durable pieces that last for years as opposed to fashion pieces worn once in the wash.
What’s more, many of those who convert to veganism later in life argue that it makes sense to keep the leather products they already own to reduce unnecessary waste.
Vegan Leather vs. Real Leather
Although a cruelty-free alternative to its animal counterpart, vegan leather isn’t always a sustainable or eco-friendly option.
We recommend looking for sustainable and eco-conscious high-quality plant-based vegan leather. With proper care, vegan leather products can last a long time, making them a viable choice for those looking for ethical and eco-friendly fashion options.
What is your stance on vegan leather? Let us know your comments.