Not all vegan leather is actually sustainable

Vegan leather is just an umbrella term.

It includes two main types. The first is plastic-based vegan leathers, such as PU (polyurethane) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which are 100% synthetic materials.

The second type is bio-based vegan leather, made from agricultural waste like pineapple, apple, or grape peels. However, even bio-based leather still contains synthetic components, making it a mix of plant-based and plastic materials.

This raises an important question: Is bio-based leather truly a more sustainable option, or does traditional vegetable-tanned leather offer a better alternative?

The pros of vegetable-tanned leather:

Natural and durable: Made from animal hides, a by-product of the food industry, reducing waste. Can last decades if well cared for.
Biodegradable: If untreated with synthetic coatings, it naturally decomposes over time.
Supports craftsmanship: Often produced using traditional, local techniques.
Repairable: Unlike synthetic materials, it can be easily restored, extending its lifespan.

The cons of vegetable-tanned leather:

Uses animal resources: Since it's derived from hides, it's not vegan and may conflict with cruelty-free values.
Slow biodegradation: If finished with synthetic dyes or coatings, it loses some biodegradability.
Water and energy impact: Livestock farming and tanning requires significant water and energy resources.

The pros of bio-based vegan leather:

Uses food waste: Made from discarded apple, pineapple, grape peels, reducing agricultural waste.
Cruelty-free: No animals involved, making it a vegan-friendly option.
Lower water and chemical use: Requires fewer resources than traditional leather tanning.
Encourages material innovation: Supports the development of new, plant-based alternatives.

The cons of bio-based vegan leather:

Contains Plastic: Up to 50% polyurethane (PU), which is a petroleum-based plastic.
Less Durable: Bio-based leather is not as strong as animal leather and may degrade faster.
Difficult to dispose of: since it's part synthetic, it doesn't fully biodegrade and can break down into microplastics.

So, which one is more sustainable?

If you prioritize durability and craftsmanship vegetable-tanned leather is a better choice. It lasts for decades, is repairable, and aligns with a slow fashion mindset.

If you prefer cruelty-free materials bio-based leather is an innovative, plant-based alternative, but it still contains plastic and has a shorter lifespan.

Sustainability is about trade-offs. There's no one perfect option - it all depends on your values and priorities.

Which one do YOU think is the better choice?
Let us know in the comments!