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Faux leather, also known as vegan leather or artificial leather, is a popular material in fashion and interior design. It’s made from synthetic materials that mimic the texture and appearance of real leather but at a more affordable price point.
Many companies are now promoting faux leather as vegan leather, but this material may not be as eco-friendly as the term “vegan” suggests. In fact, some types of faux leather contain toxic chemicals and take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills.
It all depends on the type of faux leather and the production process behind it. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather and polyurethane leather, for instance, are made from petroleum-based plastics, while some plant-based leathers are biodegradable and made with non-toxic chemicals and natural dyes.
Let’s take a closer look at what faux leather is, including its uses, advantages, and controversies.
What Is Faux Leather?
Faux leather is a type of synthetic material that’s designed to look and feel like genuine animal leather. In recent years, many companies have rebranded faux leather as “vegan leather.”
Faux leather is an umbrella term that can refer to lots of different materials that resemble leather. Some are made with environmentally harmful materials, like PVC and polyurethane.
As technology advances, manufacturers have invented new kinds of faux leather made from plants, including:
- Cork leather
- Mushroom leather
- Apple leather
- Piñatex (made from pineapple fibers)
- Cactus leather
- Hemp leather
These plant-based leathers are often partially or completely biodegradable and less environmentally harmful than PVC and PU leather. However, some manufacturers are more committed to using non-toxic chemicals and natural dyes than others.
If you’re looking to purchase sustainable faux leather products, make sure to check what type of materials the faux leather is made from and the production process behind it.
Pros of Faux Leather
Here are a few advantages of this man-made leather:
- More affordable than genuine leather
- Usually free of animal products
- Can be produced in a wide range of colors and textures, making it versatile for fashion and interior design applications
- Often easier to clean and maintain than genuine leather
- Some kinds are better for the planet
Cons of Synthetic Leather
Here are some of the downsides of so-called vegan leather:
- May be less durable than real leather and could crack or peel over time
- Some kinds can be environmentally damaging and toxic (PVC leather is particularly poisonous and hazardous)
- The chemicals used during production can be carcinogenic and have been linked to other health problems, including reproductive and developmental issues
How Is Faux Leather Made?
How faux leather is made varies depending on the material, but it often involves coating a base material with a synthetic material and then treating it to resemble leather. Here are some typical steps.
1. Obtain a Base Material
Faux leather manufacturers often use cotton or polyester as the base material for their fabrics. Sometimes, PU leather uses leftover cowhide as its base material, so PU leather is not always animal-product-free.
2. Formulate the Coating Material
Some manufacturers are turning plants into leather, but the more common types of faux leather are PVC and PU. PVC is a plastic made from salt and petroleum, while PU leather relies on a thermoplastic polymer.
Neither of these materials are biodegradable, so they can end up in landfills for a long, long time. Not so fun fact: 92 million tons of garments end up in landfills every year.
3. Bind the Materials Together
In the case of PVC and PU faux leather, manufacturers bind these materials to the underlying base. They often use toxic chemicals during this process that can be harmful to our health and the environment. This process can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Some plant-based faux leather manufacturers use water-based adhesives and natural dyes, which are better for the environment and human health.
4. Cut and Prepare the Fabric
Once the materials have been fused and treated to look like leather, they’re cut into the desired shape and size. Once the plastic has been bound to the underlying fabric, it is cut into the desired shape and size.
Types of Faux Leather
Clearly, not all types of faux leather are created equal. It’s worth understanding the different types if you want to know which ones are sustainable and which ones are bad for the planet. Here are some examples of synthetic leather.
PVC Leather
One common (but toxic) kind of faux leather is PVC leather, also known as pleather. This type of leather is cheap and durable, but it has major issues.
It can release toxic chemicals when it’s produced and burned, and it contains phthalates, which are carcinogens. Along with containing toxic chemicals and heavy metals like lead and cadmium, PVC is made from petroleum-based materials and doesn’t biodegrade.
Many organizations have warned about the hazards of PVC and called for the fashion and other industries to phase it out. Unfortunately, more than 40 million tons of PVC are still being produced each year and that number is expected to increase to 60 tons by 2025.
PU Leather
PU leather also relies on a plastic, non-biodegradable material, but it’s generally not quite as toxic as PVC. However, it can still contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
PU leather tends to be higher-end than PVC and has more of a matte finish, rather than a glossy finish. It’s not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose.
It’s also not always vegan, because some PU leather is made from coating leftover cowhide with polyurethane (other types are animal-free because they use a fabric base).
Silicone Leather
Silicone leather is made by coating a fabric base with a layer of silicone. It’s sometimes more environmentally friendly than its PVC and PU leather counterparts, since some kinds are biodegradable and recyclable. However, some silicone leather uses polyester as a base, which is plastic-based and can contaminate soil and water.
Plant-Based Leathers
There’s an array of new plant-based leathers out there, including leather made from mushrooms, apples, cacti, pineapple leaves, hemp plants, and cork trees. Many of these plant-based leathers are a sustainable option that are biodegradable and use non-toxic chemicals and natural dyes during production.
It all depends on the manufacturer and type of leather, though. Pineapple leather, or Piñatex, is usually not fully biodegradable and may use toxic chemicals during processing. These more eco-friendly leathers are still in the early stages of development but are a promising alternative to the more harmful, plastic-based types of faux leather.
What Kind of Products Are Made From Faux Leather?
One of the reasons faux leather is so popular is because it’s versatile and affordable. It can be used in anything from clothing to shoes to car interiors. Here are some products that often use faux leather:
- Jackets
- Handbags
- Shoes
- Belts
- Wallets
- Furniture
- Car interiors
Faux leather can come in a variety of colors and finishes and be made to look like different types of leather, including full-grain, top-grain, and nubuck.
How Much Does Faux Leather Cost?
Faux leather is usually significantly less expensive than genuine leather, which is part of what makes it popular among many consumers. The cost will vary depending on the product, quality, and brand.
Some plant-based leathers are on the more expensive side, since they’re relatively new and may cost more to produce. PVC leather is one of the cheapest kinds, but it’s also the worst for our planet.
Vegan Leather Isn’t Necessarily Eco-Friendly
The fashion industry loves throwing around the word vegan leather to give the sense that its faux leather products are earth-friendly. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Although these synthetic leathers don’t contain animal products, they can still be packed full of non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastics that fill up landfills around the world.
The production of faux leather materials like PVC also releases toxic chemicals into the air, which can be hazardous to human health and contribute to pollution. Plus, they can get into the soil and water supply.
It’s fair to say that some brands are greenwashing the truth when it comes to the products they’re selling. That’s not to say that all faux leather is bad for the planet — there are promising plant-based leathers being developed and sold.
However, the vague and often misleading language around vegan leather often puts the burden on us, the consumers, to look beyond the branding in order to make sustainable shopping choices.
FAQ
What is faux leather?
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, is a manufactured fabric that’s designed to look and feel like real leather. It’s sometimes made from materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that are layered onto a fabric backing. However, there’s an increasing number of plant-based leathers, including cactus leather, mushroom leather, and apple leather.
Is faux leather environmentally friendly?
It depends on the type of faux leather. PVC and PU leather are not biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals during production. However, some plant-based alternatives like apple leather and cork leather are more eco-friendly.
How does faux leather compare to genuine leather?
Faux leather is generally less expensive than genuine leather and more resistant to scratches and water damage. However, genuine leather is often more durable and develops a unique patina over time.
How do I care for faux leather products?
Faux leather can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. It’s a good idea to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that can damage the material.
Is faux leather vegan?
Faux leather is usually vegan, since it typically doesn’t contain animal products. However, some kinds of PU leather still use discarded cowhides as a base. What’s more, not all faux leather is environmentally friendly, so it may not align with the values we usually associate with veganism.
Can faux leather be recycled?
It depends on the type of faux leather. PVC and PU leather are not recyclable, but some plant-based alternatives can be recycled or composted.
How long does faux leather last?
The lifespan of faux leather depends on the quality of the material and how well it’s cared for. With proper care, it can last for several years.
How does the fashion industry harm the environment?
The fashion industry is a major contributor to pollution and landfill waste. The use of chemicals in textile production can also harm the health of workers and surrounding ecosystems.
