What Is Eco-Leather?
While leather is looked at as stylish and luxurious, it’s unfortunately harmful to the environment. But the good news is there’s now eco-leather, which is a sustainable option that’s just as fashionable.
As inhabitants of the planet, we all have a responsibility to take part in protecting the planet. So what is eco-leather, and how is leather not eco-friendly?
What is Eco-Leather?
Eco-leather is leather that generally doesn’t come from animals. Traditional leather comes from cows. It’s not considered sustainable because of the amount of CO2 cows emit into the environment.
Additionally, there’s the cruelty factor, as some cows are skinned alive. But leather doesn’t only come from cows. Leather can come from goats, kangaroos, sheep, and even alligators.
While eco-leather isn’t typically made from animal skin, one source notes that animal skin leather may be used in some cases. It’s important to ask the companies producing our products where the eco-leather came from.
What is Eco-Leather Made out of?
Eco-leather is made of vegan materials. They’re designed to imitate what real leather feels and looks like. The most common materials used to make leather are Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC for short, and Polyurethane, PU for short.
PVC leather is suede leather. It’s created by replacing the hydrogen group with a chloride group. With a combination of chemicals, it creates a plastic that’s long-lasting and simple to maintain.
Polyurethane is also a plastic material. Now, of course, plastic isn’t exactly the most sustainable option either.
In an ideal world, more consumers would desire cork or kelp leather. But we live in the real world, where most people are probably always going to want something that feels like leather.
Between animal leather and PVC leather, PVC leather is, unfortunately, just the lesser of two evils. Still, we should, of course, continue to encourage people to move towards leather made from natural materials.
Is Eco-leather fake leather?
Compared to traditional leather that uses animal skin, eco-leather is technically fake leather. But this type of leather makes a real impact helping to curb the damage of global warming.
Is eco-leather better than real leather?
While eco-leather made of PVC or PU is not the best alternative, it is a better one than real leather. Less real leather means fewer cows needed to make them, and thus hopefully, less CO2.
Is eco-leather cheaper than real leather?
Eco-friendly products are typically expensive, but sustainable leather happens to be cheaper than real leather. We’re not only helping to save the planet, but we’re helping to save on our finances too.
Is eco-leather waterproof?
Most sources note that sustainable leather is waterproof. When it has a PU coating, it’s more water-resistant. Sustainable leather also doesn’t require as much maintenance or care.
Does Eco-Leather Last?
Some sources conclude that sustainable leather can last as long, if not longer, than real leather. However, some consumers argue they don’t last as long as the real thing.
Overall, there’s a huge debate on eco-leather vs. genuine leather amongst the sustainability community. Some even argue genuine leather is actually more sustainable.
The argument is that because leather is a byproduct of cattle farming, using real leather is recycling. When the time comes to dispose of it, it’s said to decompose easily.
The counterargument is that the processing of leather requires toxic chemicals. As a result, some leathers are unsafe to compost.
Sustainable leather alternatives to PVC and PU
As mentioned earlier, the best option is leather made from natural materials. Here are a few of them to look into:
- Piñatex: Piñatex is a great leather alternative that’s made from pineapple leaf fibres.
- Leaf leather: Just as the name suggests, this leather alternative is made of tree leaves.
- Cork: Cork leather is water-resistant and recyclable.
- Mushroom leather: With this leather alternative, not only are no animals harmed, but the material is softer, biodegradable, and antibacterial.
- Coconut leather: Coconuts are probably not the first food you think could make leather-like clothes, but it works. The material is durable and similar to real leather.
- Apple leather: The skins and cores of apples can be used to make clothing that looks like leather, but has a paper-like feel.
Final thoughts
It’s important for all of us to continue to do our research to make the best sustainable decision. While eco-leather made with PVC or PU is better than animal-skin leather, it’s not the best alternative.
Look for sustainable leather made with natural materials like mushrooms or coconuts. Encourage your family and friends to do the same as well. Choosing to opt for this type of leather will cause less harm to our planet, our animals, and ourselves too.
