Vegan leather is artificial leather, also called faux leather, that is often made from polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. Polyurethane, sometimes abbreviated as PU, is a type of organic polymer composed of urethane (rubber) links. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), another popular synthetic plastic polymer, is made of polymerized vinyl chloride.
Both PVC and PU leather are made to mimic the look and feel of real animal skin, but their properties are quite different. Authentic leather is thicker and heavier than faux leather and authentic leather is less prone to peeling and cracking over time, as it absorbs more moisture than faux leathers do.
Since fake (synthetic) leathers are made from plastics rather than animals, the material is usually thinner and can become less durable over time. Also, fake leather fabrics do not bend well, so they tend to wrinkle and crack over time. Genuine leather, on the other hand, is sturdy and can last decades years with proper maintenance.
The main benefit of fake leathers is that their often made from synthetic polymers, like polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, which are generally cheaper to manufacture than leather made from animal skin. Synthetic leathers are also much easier to clean unlike authentic leathers, that have pores and are thus more prone to absorbing liquid and staining.
The Truth About Vegan Leather
Vegan leather is not necessarily an eco-friendly alternative to real leather. Most vegan and faux leathers are made of plastics that contain synthetic polymers, which are derived from nonrenewable petrochemicals, i.e. crude oil and natural gases.
At each phase of plastic’s lifecycle, from fossil fuel extraction and refining to manufacturing and use, and even end-of-life (incineration, recycling) greenhouse gases are generated because of these petrochemical ingredients. According to a study titled “Microfiber Release from Different Fabrics During Washing“, leathers made of synthetic plastics release very small pollutants and greenhouse gases when exposed to physical stress or during wash and dry cycles. This is why it’s important to find synthetic leathers that are created with plant-based materials, rather than plastic products.
Plant-Based Leather
The good news is that not all vegan leathers are made equal. Plant-based leathers are more environmentally friendly than conventional plastic leathers, and they’re vegan! Plant-based leather is made from repurposed plant material and agricultural wastes. If you’re interested in sustainable vegan leather, then make sure the fabric that you buy is manufactured from organic, renewable sources rather than synthetic plastics.
Vegan Leather for Sale
If you’re interested in vegan leather products, consider shopping at Nordstrom, Target, Free People, or Urban Outfitters. When buying your faux leather, be sure to read the product label to find out what materials it’s made from. Finding a vegan product is not the same as finding a plant-based one. Vegan fabrics will not necessarily contain any animal-derived materials but may contain synthetic plastics, which can contribute to the build-up of pollutants in air and waterways. For more sustainable fashion, be sure that your purchases are made from renewable sources such as food waste, various crops, vegetable extracts, and or wood.
What Is Bonded Leather
Bonded leather is a mix of real and faux leather. This material is a combination of recycled real leather that has been blended with synthetic leather. The threads are rolled together with adhesives and bonded onto a paper backing to create bonded leather. Some leather-making companies also add coatings of polyurethane to provide a skin-like texture. If you’re wondering if your product is made with bonded leather, check for the following names:
- Leather Soft
- Faux Leather
- Composite
- Vinyl
- Reconstituted
Vegan Leather for Sale
Popular places to purchase vegan leather include Etsy, Fabric.com, and more websites. Vegan leather is relatively cheap to acquire; Walmart even sells faux leather textiles for less than $5. Shop faux leather fabric by the yard at your trusted fabric provider. Many people report that it’s easier to work with and make vegan leather leather pants, jackets, and other fabric items.
