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Beautiful leather products have long been a staple in many wardrobes, but buying animal leather is not so great for the environment or animal welfare. Fortunately, there’s an alternative: vegan leather.
Vegan leather has come a long way as more and more companies experiment with faux leather-making techniques. It doesn’t harm any animals and is becoming increasingly popular with eco-conscious consumers.
That said, not all vegan leather is created equal. Some is made with sustainable production practices, whereas other kinds use petroleum-based plastics and contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
So, what is vegan leather, and how is it made? Read on for a closer look so you can find out which types will help you dress ethically and sustainably.
What Is Vegan Leather?
As the name suggests, vegan leather is a type of synthetic leather that’s made without any animal products. It’s also sometimes referred to as “faux leather,” “pleather,” or “synthetic leather.”
Vegan leather is designed to look and feel like real leather. But, it’s not made from animals.
That doesn’t mean all of vegan leather is sustainable, though. Some companies have latched onto this term to make their products sound environmentally-friendly, when in reality they’re made from petroleum-based materials.
I’ll explain more below, but polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also known as vinyl, leather is made from petroleum, and polyurethane leather, while not as toxic as the PVC kind, is still made from a a plastic polymer derived from petroleum.
All this is to say that you shouldn’t assume vegan leather is necessarily good for the environment just because it has the word vegan in it.
However, there are some great sustainable options, such as cactus leather, apple leather, and mushroom leather. Let’s take a closer look at the various kinds and how they get turned into super cute shoes, purses, and other products.
How Is Vegan Leather Made? 5 Examples
There are a bunch of different methods for making vegan leather, including faux leather that’s made from plants. Here are the most common types.
1. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Leather
PVC leather is made from what some call the “poison plastic,” since it can very damaging to the environment. Its production involves toxic chemicals that can build up in our water and food supply.
Plus, the components of the vinyl material are derived from salt and petroleum. Even though some brands are calling this leather vegan, it doesn’t have the same ethical and sustainable practices that we typically associate with a vegan lifestyle.
2. Polyurethane (PU) Leather
PU leather is made by coating a fabric (usually polyester or nylon) with a layer of polyurethane. This creates a material that looks and feels like real leather. PU leather is a popular choice for clothes, accessories, and upholstery.
The production of PU leather doesn’t use as many toxic chemicals as that of PVC leather, but it’s still made from a plastic polymer derived from petroleum. Plus, the process can be chemical-intensive and include heavy metals, like lead and cadmium, which can be harmful to our health.
So, PU leather is not the most sustainable or safe vegan leather to add to your closet.
3. Piñatex
Piñatex is made from pineapple leaf fibers, PLA (polylactic acid), and petroleum-based resin. The fibers are extracted from pineapple leaves and processed into a non-woven mesh.
Piñatex is partially biodegradable, but not 100%.
4. Mushroom Leather
Mushroom leather is another environmentally conscious choice. It’s made from the root structure of mushrooms.
This material is processed and treated with natural materials to create a leather-like material. Mushroom leather is biodegradable and doesn’t require all that many resources to produce.
5. Cactus Leather
Cactus leather is a fairly new addition to the alternative leather scene. It’s made from the nopal cactus, which is native to Mexico. This cactus doesn’t require much water to grow, making cactus leather a more sustainable option than traditional leather.
People harvest and process the mature leaves of the nopal cactus. Then, they treat them with non-toxic chemicals to create a leather-like material. The resulting material is soft, durable, and has a unique texture that’s similar to animal leather.
Cactus leather is pretty awesome, but it’s not that widely available yet and still on the pricey side. As the process becomes more efficient, though, we should see more affordable and available cactus leather products in the future.
Why Choose Vegan Leather?
There are lots of reasons why you might opt for vegan leather over traditional leather. Here are some of the top ones.
It’s more ethical
Many people choose vegan leather because of ethical concerns surrounding the use of animal products. Leather production often involves cruel practices such as castration, branding, and tail docking. Plus, it involves harmful chemicals that can make workers sick and pollute the environment.
It can be better for the environment
Leather production also takes a toll on the environment. It requires large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, and the waste products can be toxic. Raising animals for leather production also contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
As mentioned though, some types of faux leather, especially PVC leather, use harmful chemicals, too, so it’s important to check what kind of “vegan” leather you’re purchasing.
It costs less
Vegan leather is often less expensive than traditional leather. It usually requires less resources and labor to produce. That means you can put together your closet for a fraction of the price.
It’s durable
Vegan leather may not be quite as durable as traditional leather yet, but it’s still a durable and long-lasting material. With proper care, faux leather products can last for years.
It’s versatile
Vegan leather is versatile material and can be used in a variety of products, from clothing to upholstery to accessories. It’s available in a wide range of colors and textures, making it easy to find a style you love.
Products Made From Vegan Leather
So, what kind of products are made from vegan or faux leather? Here are a few examples:
- Clothing: Vegan leather is a popular choice for clothing, especially jackets, pants, and skirts. It can also be used for accessories like belts.
- Footwear: Shoes, boots, and sandals can all be made from vegan leather. Many popular footwear brands now offer vegan leather options, including Birkenstock.
- Bags and accessories: Vegan leather is commonly used for bags, wallets, and other accessories like phone cases and keychains.
- Furniture and upholstery: Think chairs, sofas, and even car seats.
- Car interiors: In addition to car seats, vegan leather can also be used for other automotive interiors like steering wheel covers and dashboard covers.
- Sporting goods: Faux leather is becoming more popular in the sports industry. It can be used for items like baseball gloves and boxing gloves.
Whether you’re looking for clothes, purses, shoes, furniture, or sporting goods, there’s a vegan leather option available for you.
How to Care for Your Vegan Leather
Do you want your vegan leather products to last as long as possible? Here are some tips for caring for your vegan leather:
- Clean it regularly: Clean your vegan leather products regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. These can damage the material.
- Store it properly: Store your vegan leather products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Use a vegan leather conditioner: To keep your vegan leather products soft and supple, use a conditioner specifically designed for synthetic leather. Apply the conditioner with a clean cloth and buff it in gently.
What is vegan leather? Final thoughts
Many types of vegan leather are great alternatives to traditional leather. Plant-based leather especially is an ethical and sustainable choice that doesn’t harm animals, and it’s less expensive than traditional leather.
With the strides that people are making in mushroom and cactus leather and other types of leather alternatives, there are gorgeous options to choose from, whether you’re shopping for a faux leather jacket, purse, shoes, or other products.
By following the above tips for caring for your vegan leather items, you can enjoy them for years to come.
Vegan leather FAQ
Is vegan leather environmentally friendly?
Some types of vegan leather are more environmentally friendly than traditional leather. They don’t require the use of animal hides, which can have a significant environmental impact. However, some vegan leather is made from plastics and contain toxic chemicals. Look for vegan leather made from sustainable materials like cactus or pineapple.
Is vegan leather durable?
Vegan leather is generally quite durable. That said, its longevity will depend on the quality of the material and how well it’s cared for. Proper care can help extend the life of your vegan leather products.
Is vegan leather more affordable than traditional leather?
Yes, vegan leather is typically less expensive than traditional leather. This is because the production process is less complex and doesn’t involve the use of animal hides.
How do I know if a product is made from vegan leather?
Look for products that are labeled as vegan leather, synthetic leather, or faux leather. Some products may also list the specific material used.
Can vegan leather be recycled?
Some types of vegan leather can be recycled. It all depends on the material used. Check with the manufacturer or your local recycling program to see if they accept vegan leather products.
Is vegan leather ethical?
Vegan leather is considered to be an ethical alternative to traditional leather, since it doesn’t involve animal hides. That said, not all vegan leather is created equal, and some may still have ethical concerns around the production process. Look for brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable production practices.
