Real leather has always been a luxurious material. From its extensive prepping methods to its aftercare, there’s precision and intentionality behind each step. But now, the masses are moving towards something that looks good and makes them feel good, too.
Consumers are seeking out alternatives that align with their values, and that’s why there has been a demand for vegan leather made from plant-based or sustainable sources. Let’s talk about how vegan leather holds up along with animal leather in terms of luxury, performance and even sustainability.
The Rise of Vegan Leather
According to PWC, 46% of consumers claim they’re buying more sustainable products to reduce their impact on the environment. This translates to a growing demand for sustainable and ethical fashion. That’s also why tote and non-woven bags have become commonplace in grocery stores.
Along with this shift, documentaries like Slay are also shedding light on the environmental toll of animal agriculture, including deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, consumers have started associating leather with these negative consequences, pushing them towards more sustainable alternatives.
Fortunately, this demand in fashion has coincided with significant advancements in material science. New materials like Mylo™ and pineapple leather are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, mimicking traditional leather’s look, feel, and performance while offering a clear conscience.
Recycled materials are also being incorporated, giving new life to plastic waste and reducing the environmental footprint. These innovations make vegan leather a viable option for fashion-conscious consumers who prioritize style and sustainability.
Redefining Luxury with Vegan Leather
For many, vegan leather has traditionally been perceived as a less luxurious alternative to its animal-derived counterpart. However, this perception is rapidly changing as engineers are brainstorming new types of leather with a more luxurious appearance that might surpass traditional leather.
Here are a few examples of the advancements in alternative leather:
Mushroom Leather
Mushroom leather or Mylo utilizes mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus, essentially a network of fine, thread-like filaments that act as the root system. It offers a soft, supple texture with a beautiful natural grain, making it ideal for high-end handbags, wallets, and jackets.
Fashion brands such as Stella McCartney have lost mushroom leather for handbags, jackets and even accessories. Other fashion giants like Hermes and Adidas have also experimented with high-end handbags and limited-edition sneakers.
Pineapple Leather
Pineapple Leather is derived from waste pineapple leaves. This vegan leather has a unique texture and a subtle sheen. It’s a sustainable and cruelty-free option perfect for creating luxurious shoes, bags, and accessories.
Apple Leather
Apple leather is made from recycled apple peels. This innovative material offers a smooth, luxurious feel often compared to calfskin. It’s the perfect choice for high-end apparel and upholstery!
Recycled Plastic Leather
Some plastic leather or pleather is made from recycled plastic bottles, but the base material is often polyester or nylon, coated with a layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU).
Pleather actually has a higher environmental impact than some newer vegan leather options. Its production can involve harsh chemicals, and it’s not easily biodegradable. However, it is an affordable option, and with recycled materials, it can help reduce waste.
The end product is a surprisingly soft and durable material for various fashion applications. Some embossing techniques can create a textured finish that resembles genuine leather grains like pebbled or crocodile leather.
Bridging the Performance Gap in Vegan Leather
While the ethical and sustainable aspects of vegan leather are compelling, its performance has historically been a point of controversy, especially pleather, which often falls short of genuine leather.
Traditional pleather doesn’t compare to the real thing or even plant-based leather in terms of:
- Durability: Cracking, peeling, and overall wear-and-tear were more common concerns with some earlier vegan leathers.
- Breathability: Limited breathability could lead to discomfort, especially in warm weather.
- Feel and Texture: The stiffness and lack of natural grain variation sometimes make vegan leather feel less luxurious than its animal counterpart.
However, the advancements in material science are trying to mimic the best qualities of animal leather while sourcing it from a source that only benefits the earth.
For instance, biomimicry has become the key focus of artificial leather production. Scientists are studying the structure and properties of natural leather at a molecular level. This knowledge is then used to develop new materials that mimic the strength, flexibility, and breathability of animal leather.
Many sustainable coatings have also been used, such as PU coatings with natural waxes. Building on traditional PU, these advanced coatings incorporate plant-derived materials and natural waxes.
This not only enhances the sustainability aspect but can also create a softer, more supple feel while maintaining breathability and water resistance. This type of coating is ideal for creating high-end vegan leather for handbags, jackets, or shoes.
While pleather offered an early alternative to genuine leather, new ethically-produced materials have changed the whole scene.
A Sustainable Future with Vegan Leather
With new inventions catching up to speed with animal leather, the idea of vegan leather seems like the better option. In some aspects, vegan leather does prove to be better for the environment.
Reduced Water Consumption
Livestock farming requires vast amounts of water for raising animals, processing hides, and tanning leather. Vegan leather production, on the other hand, can significantly reduce water usage, especially when utilizing plant-based materials or recycled content.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Animal agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions through methane from animals and deforestation for grazing land. Choosing vegan leather reduces our dependence on this high-impact industry and helps mitigate climate change.
Deforestation Prevention
The leather industry is a major driver of deforestation, as vast swathes of land are cleared for cattle ranching. Vegan leather production, particularly when using agricultural byproducts or recycled materials, helps protect valuable forests and biodiversity.
Reduced Chemical Use
Traditional leather tanning involves harsh chemicals like chromium, which can pollute waterways and harm human health. Luckily, vegan leather production often utilizes less-toxic chemicals or eliminates them altogether, minimizing environmental and health risks.
However, for vegan leather to truly be sustainable, transparency throughout the supply chain is crucial. Consumers must be confident that the materials used are eco-friendly and that production practices minimize environmental impact.
If vegan leather isn’t readily available for you, buying second-hand leather might be the next sustainable option.
Conclusion
By choosing vegan leather, you can embrace luxury and style without compromising on values. As technology advances and sustainability becomes a top priority, vegan leather can be just as good as the real thing.