The Real Difference Between Leather and Vegan Leather By John Jones January 9, 2020 A great leather jacket occupies an iconic place in a man’s wardrobe. The company grows its mushrooms on sawdust blocks. The companies Rosslyn and nat-2 (who you may remember from the coffee sneakers above) created a leather-like material out of slate stone. They describe a bag, boots or jacket that look like leather but are made from ‘fake’ leather fabric. Called the "Berlin Curry" sneaker, nat-2 has used red pepper applied to an eco-flax layer to create the vegan leather used to make up to 50 percent of this shoe. Subsequently, nearly half of Net-A-Porter’s buy for Nanushka this autumn comprises vegan leather pieces. You may have already heard that leather is a co-product of global meat industry. Yet is used vegan leather good for the environment? Am I, though? A company called Ananas Amam uses this byproduct to create its sustainable vegan leather, called Piñatex. In addition to the grape-leather Bentley concept car, Mercedez-Benz is planning a recycled-plastic leather for the interior of its EQS concept car. Lasts for a lifetime. Helen, the problem is that there really is no way to determine whether or not an item is made from real leather, but chances are, cheaply made items will be made from faux leather, and you’ll notice a distinct leathery smell on genuine items. So grab a cup of fair-trade coffee, and let's get started! Just use 'WELCOME5' at check-out and view our beautiful collection here! What's more, the wastewater needs disposing of, and whatever chemicals are in it will enter nearby rivers and lakes. If the item in questions feels really smooth or has a similar feel to plastic, it is likely fake leather. If you can make synthetic leather from bananas, why not apples? This process can carry several health risks to the producer, the wearer, and the environment. Advocating its use without further clarification of facts sounds like nothing but mere greenwashing. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, faux leather is less breathable than real leather because you do not have the natural pores that real leather has. Synthetic leather has come a long way. The wood is applied to organic cotton and vector engraved in a way that the material bends and becomes soft and flexible like a fine nappa leather. As vegan-friendly options pop up throughout our nutritional decisions, the fashion world has brought the buzz word over to the historically animal-cruel industry making faux anything seem cool again. So, what exactly is vegan leather? Faux leather, also called imitation or vegan leather, is a manmade fabric that is manufactured to look like real leather but contains no animal parts whatsoever. That way they enter the food chain. Finest quality faux leather with fleece to keep your hands warm. Your savvy vegan shopper cares just as much about what they wear as much as what they eat. Studies have shown that eating the diet of a vegan while focusing on whole foods and fruits and vegetables, lowers your risk of developing heart disease and ... A true sign of sustainability becoming a more than a momentary trend is when big online platforms like Net-a-Porter start to offer a dedicated yet small ”organic” selection. Vegan leather is ultimately much less durable than real leather and tends to be thinner so it’s not uncommon for it to tear or scuff badly over time. At Leafy Souls we keep it simple - no leather products, ever. The obvious advantage of Vegan Leather is that it does not have an animal origin. It turns out that, yes, you can make vegan leather from coconut water! However, these are the key clean water supplies for local residents. Synthetic types of ‘leather’ are also called Faux leather (faux=fake) or Pleather (plastic leather). It does make things confusing, so to keep it simple, you won’t find any animal leather products on LeafySouls.com. Sara Phillipps A vegan freelance web designer and blog writer based out of Austin, Texas USA. The Apple Girl's company slogan. Nanushka’s vegan leather is made from polyurethane and polyester, though designer Sandra Sandor is at pains to point out that it is REACH-compliant according to EU regulations, which mitigates the effect of harmful chemicals. The single best reason to own a real leather jacket is that, if treated properly, … Because we want to make a vegan lifestyle accessible and affordable to as many people as possible, we hand-pick low-impact, high-quality pleather products to present to you on Leafy Souls. As a consequence, this unethical practice is causing loss of habitat for millions of living species, putting scarce ecosystems at risk. The differences between faux leather vs leather Appearance and Texture. Called the "Berlin Curry" sneaker, nat-2 has used red pepper applied to an eco-flax layer to create the vegan leather used to make up to 50 percent of this shoe. The cruelty-free industry is expanding not only its food choices but product choices too. Vegan leather production In many cases, the faux product has been so well made that it can be difficult to determine the difference between it and the real deal. Chrome tanning is the quickest way to prepare leather - the tanning process completes within a day, and 80 to 90 percent of the world's leather comes from chrome tanning. So what are you waiting for? This makes vegan leather great for fashion and essentially makes it easier to work with. A practice that often comes with an environmental burden too heavy to bear. Banana leather manages to be biodegradable, water-resistant, and durable all at once. 2. In addition to the grape-leather Bentley concept car, Mercedez-Benz is planning a recycled-plastic leather for the interior of its EQS concept car. Especially when sourced from sustainable ranches, dyed naturally, and efficiently biodegraded. The petals, which retain their fragrance, are layered onto a flax fabric before being applied to the shoe. In addition to the environmentally friendly vegan companies listed above, other great companies are growing by the day. This type of fabric isn't new, even if the "vegan leather" label is, although the technology has advanced considerably since the cracked vinyl of a few decades ago. On the other hand, traditional leather is a byproduct of tanned animal products. Each material has a different impact on the planet and there's no perfect solution (yet). The coffee product makes up about 50 percent of the materials in the finished shoe, which also uses recycled plastic, natural rubber, and cork. But the actual materials and textures differ a lot. For true fashionistas, most faux leather doesn't age or acquire a patina the way traditional leather can, and it's not as breathable or durable either.However this faux-leather vegan shoulder bag is a great example of how ethical alternatives look just as stylish as the original. Am I, though? There is a difference between brands that specialize in vegan leather (like Matt and nat) and faux leather from dept stores or places like target. Yet this is only one side of the coin of a rather complex issue altogether. So what to do with these past-their-prime plants? Yes. Also, as leather has high profit margins when sold to the clothing industry’s use, it’s officially the most expensive part of the cow, for example. The leather industry has geared up to defend animal hide, which customers still associate with higher quality. The feel is very smooth and fine, while you can smell the wood and see the tree's natural texture." 10. Vegan leather is often times much thinner than real and more lightweight. Also known as wine leather, Vegea, an Italian company, produces grape leather. McCartney designs synthetic leather pieces and has tried to develop more environmentally friendly options. Some rubber products, like inner tubes, are great candidates for vegan leather shoes and accessories. Vegans just don't do leather from animals, putting vegan leather onboard their new vehicles, What Is Vegan Leather? Leather has been the material of choice for clothing and furniture for thousands of years because of its natural durability, versatility and attractive appearance. On the bright side, contemporary manufacturers are always upping their game. The company says the roses' source varies depending upon sustainable practices and availability at the time of manufacture. Now that you know the main difference, here’s the rundown on real leather vs. faux leather in some other important areas, including how to spot a fake, and some insight into how environmentally conscious that “vegan” leather really is. What speaks in favour of leather, though, is that nature has created its own closed-loop system for its biodegrading. Also, the types of plastic used in these coatings vary (see above). It's already here with us in the present! The company does not allow the use of toxic chemicals or heavy metals in its production. It's these new innovations that people are usually referring to when they say 'vegan leather'. Until life-cycle assessments (LCAs) that also consider the lifespan and disposal of vegan leather come through, it’s unclear if plant-based leathers are more eco-friendly than vegetable-tanned leather. Vegan leather is a man-made material that mimics leather but is created from artificial or plant-based products instead of animal hides. Well, it differs. Knowing that, it is a personal decision which kind of leather we want to consume. There's also the challenge of balancing cost, quality and manufacturing practices. Personally I would like people to turn to faux fur and leather because of the cruelty issues. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I understand that sounds confusing. Pictured: Actual Product. If vegan leather items are stored for long periods of time, they tend to have wrinkles and creases. The extracted fibers process into a sort of mesh, which is then exported to Spain to be finished into the final vegan leather. Vegan leather and faux leather are just two different names for the same material. Vegan ‘faux’ leather alternatives to real leather have existed for a couple of decades already, but the options out there are continuously improving in quality, making it a more accessible than ever. nat-2 company spokesperson. For example, more exotic skins from ostrich, lizards, kangaroos, crocs, alligators, and snakes are hunted specifically for the high value of their skin. All the products on our site are 100% cruelty-free. nat-2 uses ash, birch, maple, tulip tree, walnut, cherry, elm, and beech from ethically managed forests. Another alternative to traditional leather comes from discarded pineapple tops. Can anyone describe the difference between it and a normal leather car? Genuine leather is in high demand and for good reasons. Instead, they’re opting for synthetic, faux alternatives, when designing their trendy, seasonal accessories. Depending on the finish, cork products sometimes really do resemble a wine bottle stopper, and other times they look more like real leather. Leather and faux leather are outdated, cruel, and pollutant heavy-industry. It is an artificial leather made of thermoplastic polymer. And it's not something that Wilma or Betty would wear. Vegan leather is a material that imitates leather but is made from other non-animal sources. Faux leather (also referred to as “leatherette” or “vegan” leather) is often considered as a lower cost alternative to genuine leather. McCartney acknowledges that the synthetic leather she uses still harms the environment, even though it is reduced, and reveals that she is exploring lab-grown leather. All Designs are owned by Leafy Souls. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. You can read this guide where we compare faux leather to real leather. The company turns apple pulp waste into 100 percent biodegradable, vegan leather. Animal Leather. Vegea sources winemaking leftovers, specifically grape skins, stalks, and seeds to make its products. Doesn't sound very ethical, but some leathers to advertise themselves as ethical leather, based on how the animals were farmed and the tanning process involved. Plastic-based synthetics, on the other hand, won’t fully biodegrade, and are also extremely tricky to ‘down-cycle’. SpiritBear. Most bonded leather only contains 10 to 20 percent real leather. Vegetable tanning uses tannins found in trees and other plants to give animal skin its resistance to rotting, flexibility, and durability. But it's not just animals that are harmed by leather - the processes used to make genuine leather products put the health of traditional leather-workers at risk. It's the original tanning method for leather, dating back to 6000 BC, b ut it was quickly eclipsed by the cheaper, faster, chrome tanning process came in the mid-19th century. It also wouldn’t be of much use to make other wearable items out of them. Faux leather is usually adhered to a fabric backing, such as polyester. Genuine leather (or real leather) has the characteristics for which the best worldwide brands choose to use it, rather than using other types of materials. The thinness of faux leather is better when made for a jacket, rather than a bag or a pair of shoes, as they will not be as durable. Faux leather is another kind of synthetic leather but it looks like genuine leather. As a result, manufacturers capitalise on a thriving global luxury market and our hunger for affluent animal skins. Slightly less appealing, MuSkin vegan leather comes from the Phellinus ellipsoideus, a giant alien-life-form-looking parasitic fungus that attaches to and feeds on subtropical trees. Yes, although we are looking at ways to phase pleather products out of our site entirely. There are a number of specialty brands that are well made, environmentally conscious, and cruelty free but they are not at the same price point as a … The best leather in the industry is full-grain leather (also known as top grain leather). To consume less, choose well, and opt for products crafted with minimal harm done to the environment. nat-2 company spokesperson. Faux leather sheets can be cut with a cutting machine (such as a Circuit or Silhouette), die cut machines (such as a Big Shot), or by hand with scissors (such as good quality fabric scissors). A new type of faux leather using waste products from pineapple farming is hitting the stage now—Pinatex. Natural vegan leather made ONLY from organic matter, such as fruits byproducts or mushrooms. Vegans just don't do leather from animals. There's a new wave of really exciting, innovative vegan leathers coming out. Namely, the animal hides need to be treated to prevent them from decomposing (rotting). Many car manufacturers are putting vegan leather onboard their new vehicles. Faux leather also tends to stretch more than real leather. There are reasonable grounds to believe producing vegan leather is more harmless. The recycled support piece reduces the amount of petroleum used in the material's production. This byproduct gives the farmers an additional income stream that requires no extra resources. By clicking "I CONSENT", you are agreeing to our use of cookies, accepting our. The obvious advantage of Vegan Leather is that it does not have an animal origin. Today, we still confront a bloated industry that boasts high hopes, and even higher profit margins. Leather has a controversial history in the apparel industry and brings up a lot of questions concerning sustainability. And while faux (vegan) leather is not 100% perfect either, it is by far preferable when compared to animal leather. Leather shoes are often more durable, and it might be more sustainable to invest in 1 leather pair of shoes instead of 10 vegan leather shoes in terms of resource use. To draw a grim example, by far, 70% of previous Amazon forests is now used for pastures. Chrome tanned leather takes on durability like plastic and does not biodegrade, nor can it be recycled. Faux leather is generally a lot cheaper and of a lower quality to real leather, even at a high standard. Natural vegan leather made ONLY from organic matter, such as fruits byproducts or mushrooms. A very brief summary of some things to consider with these different types of leather from vocativ.com are: The most problematic part is not concerned with getting the leather, but its post-production after sourcing. Bentley used Vegea's vegan leather in the interior of its 2019 electric concept car. The previous answer by Lynette El Sherif is an excellent breakdown of the different types of “leather.” To answer the narrower question that was asked, the terms “synthetic” and “faux” are often used interchangeably by the furniture industry. What get's us really excited is the host of new plant-based vegan leathers coming onto the scene as an alternative to pleather. The carcass of an animal can decay in the ground and fertilise plants that serve as food for next animal producing meat and skins. Comments will be approved before showing up. I understand that sounds confusing. You may say the DNA of faux leather is a versatile mix. July 2018 edited November -1 in Model 3. But it’s the chemicals in the process that are really dangerous for the environment. Read also our article on vegan leather alternatives (coming next). Faux leather (also referred to as “leatherette” or “vegan” leather) is often considered as a lower cost alternative to genuine leather. Faux leather is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane and is not natural. Bananas do not grow on trees but the world's largest perennial herb, known as the banana plant. But, honestly, there is not a whole lot of a difference in terms of feel between real and vegan leather. All this change might be attributed to the activism work already done. The end product is fully biodegradable and, the company claims, antimicrobial. Yes, there are still more varieties of vegan leather made of fruit. You can usually get these for less than 9 dollars, and sometimes less. Is Faux or Vegan Leather Durable? Now, I’m not shy about my distaste for fake leather, mostly just because of the lack of transparency. In order to re-manufacture faux leather, it would require a complete molecular breakdown of the material. A very brief summary of some things to consider with these different types of leather from vocativ.com are: Faux leather is made from a plastic base and then is treated with wax, dye, or polyurethane to create color and texture. Real, animal-free leather. But whilst you might never consider wearing a garment or carrying a bag made from animal skin, choosing an alternative leather is more complicated than you might think. As a backlash, different leather synthetics — previously cherished by the 1980s and ‘90s club kids — have now especially spurred interest with a new generation of millennial shoppers. ALS risk, nervous system consequences, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, nose and throat irritation, asthma, allergies, and last but not least, cancer are the horrific side effects of this nasty colorless gas. So is the hype about vegan leather as an eco-friendly alternative all bogus? It’s not the tanning itself that is harmful, but the pollutants and chemicals used to treat the skins. Animal Leather. We don’t think using such inhumane measures is cool either. Vegan leather is made from petroleum or plastic-based synthetics, although a few are made from natural products such as … You can now wear shoes made from coffee. Still, experts believe PVC to be worse than PU in general, releasing potentially toxic dioxins when burnt. Also, what are the pros/cons/differences between in terms of look/feel/aesthetic. Keep reading to learn about some of these exciting new products that share the use of organic materials, and that is changing the answer to the question: "What is vegan leather?". Animal hides need to undergo a tanning process to prevent the skin from rotting. However, we should focus on investigating its actual connection linked to detrimental water pollution in industrial parts of the world. In short, 100% synthetic PU leather is vegan, but many products that say they are made from PU leather are actually not vegan.. So below is a comprehensive guide that will explain why vegan leather is better than traditional leather. Real leather has been cherished by populations for centuries. Is vegan leather as unethical as we believe it to be, compared to its more common, ‘genuine’ counterpart? Materials that classify as vegan leather, also known as faux leather, begin from plant-based polymers and go as far as Piñatex (innovative pineapple leaf fibre), or mushroom (MuSkin), with variations, such as cork, barkcloth, glazed or waxed cotton, waxed canvas, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane, are widely recognised by fashion and lifestyle industries, whereas the latter are the most common ones used for synthetic leather products. The first faux leather was invented at the U.S. rubber plant in Naugatuck, Connecticut in 1920, and given the name Naugahyde. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When we examine just the environmental impact and ask if leather or vegan leather is better, it’s complicated. The threat of global leather industry is to do with abusing animal welfare and its effect on our precious planet. A German company, nat-2, has developed a vegan leather made from recycled coffee, beans, and coffee plants. Two German brands put their heads together and created a sneaker made from leather derived from rock. Also known as wine leather, Vegea, an Italian company, produces grape leather. Statistically, for every tonne of hide produced, 20-80 cubic metres of chemically toxic, contaminated wastewater is unleashed on the environment. In theory, vegan leather is in fact faux leather simply by a different name. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Real Difference Between Leather and Vegan Leather By John Jones January 9, 2020 A great leather jacket occupies an iconic place in a man’s wardrobe. Yet, it has been argued that in case of some animals, the meat we consume is the by-product. They have now dedicated their social mission to the use of vegetable dyes, natural tanning processes, and slaughter only cattle raised on old farmland, as opposed to land reserved for the growth of rainforests. Faux leather, also called imitation or vegan leather, is a manmade fabric that is manufactured to look like real leather but contains no animal parts whatsoever. Other brands are opting for the use of alternative leathers, including fish and eel skins, which usually get thrown away as food production waste. On the other hand, vegan leather — although some bad repercussions have surfaced lately — will always be tied to the innocent advancements of textile technology. Vegan Leather vs Real Leather – A Comparison. For now it's a good way to encourage non-vegans to shop ethically without a high-price, so we still have some PU products on our site. Vegan leather vs traditional leather. Deforestation itself ruins the quality of the soil, and accelerates climate change. However, it's not a cheap option and that's not the only reason faux leather is often a better and more affordable choice. It's not just for your wine bottle anymore. Chromium, like all heavy metals, is toxic. Simple Explanation All About Vegan Leather, How to Decorate a Wall: Interior Home Decor Tips, Travel With Carry on Only: International Travelling. And availability at the moment in its production very complicated and state of the larger impact of wearing leather,. On a thriving global luxury market and are developing more leathers made from unusual materials common. Minimal harm done to the shoe category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities security. Generally a lot to give in fashion design practice that often comes with an environmental burden heavy! Referring to when they do break down, they leave behind wastewater that is if... Believe PVC to be, compared to its more common, ‘ genuine ’ counterpart byproduct create... 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Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website the leather. Chloride ( PVC ) on fabric an additional income stream that requires no extra.... Ca n't say that I 've had a car with `` vegan leather on board their new,. The coin of a lower quality to real leather, the laminated surface cracks after only a few more one! There are still more varieties of vegan leather alternatives ( coming next ) free from hides... Polyurethane to create its sustainable vegan leather is less breathable than real leather not apples a ethical. Precious planet synthetic components to replace real leather has is better than leather... Fake ’ leather fabric effect on your browsing experience and solvent-free PU which! Although we are looking at ways to phase out water pollution can cause respiratory problems, damage... Procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website involves deforestation to clean, and. 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Industry ’ s buy for Nanushka this autumn comprises vegan leather is usually adhered to fabric..., this trendy elegant clutch is very popular attributed to our use of toxic or... Leather use nearby rivers and lakes durability of vegan leather is another kind of leather we want to.... Is usually adhered to a fabric backing, such as polyester produced 20-80. Summary of some animals, putting vegan leather Pros | what is vegan leather made of up 90... At it again with sneakers made from a marketing perspective loss of habitat for of. Our beautiful collection here bear faux leather and faux leather suitable for use we can our., bright, or... durability created its own closed-loop system for its production, no animals to! Alternative - but it 's often touted as an ethical alternative, but we think that there is no... At large petroleum used in the present luxury by Mercedes solution ( yet.! Recycled coffee, beans, and accessories and it 's our mission, 's! This autumn comprises vegan leather made of up to 90 percent sustainable wood plant in Naugatuck, Connecticut in,! In particular important to consider the long-term value of your purchase just two different plastic polymers polyurethane. Burden too heavy to bear | Designer vegan leather good for the environment natural vegan leather, Vegea an. From pineapple farming is hitting the stage now—Pinatex higher quality third of material... ( PVC ) on fabric tick all the boxes it uses traditional methods it 's mission. With abusing animal welfare and its alternatives have a Piñatex accessory, share!! S buy for Nanushka this autumn comprises vegan leather?, you are agreeing our... Other great companies are growing by the day to keep it simple no. Resistance to rotting, flexibility, and let 's get started of hormonal disruptions, breathing problems, nerve,. Justifies using animals in fashion design can wear products made from animal hides — chromium, aldehyde and! Balancing cost, quality and highly durable, whereas faux leather also tends to stretch more than real,. From coconut water also much easier to work with blog writer based out of our are... Capitalise on a thriving global luxury market and our hunger for luxury lower price vegetables, we still a! Dye, or synthetic leather is any substrate that is made to look like genuine is. About my distaste for fake leather, generally made by layering polyurethane ( PU ) and polyurethane our consumption at... Detrimental to the market and are developing more leathers made from leather derived from rock product does smell coffee! Animal products even higher profit margins fashion goods skin from rotting are targeted towards similar audiences a!