Debunking the Vegan Leather Myth

It is true that leather products were less toxic and had fewer environmental effects years before industrial textile development and commercialization. Natural leather today is treated for durability and increased environmental impact in a long-term process that contributes to climate change, deforestation, water pollution, and human health deterioration.

What is leather and what are its dangers?

Leather is an animal hide that has been stripped of its hair and tanned to prevent it rotting. The leather is then given specific colors and textures. Animal leather has the advantage of being durable and biodegradable. This means that it does not contribute to landfills as much as synthetic fabrics and plastics.

The process of turning animal skin into leather is extremely difficult and requires a lot of energy. Some of these toxic materials are even cyanide-based. The most dangerous step in leather processing is tanning. 90% of leather production uses chromium tanning. The hide is exposed to toxic chromium salts during chrome tanning. This water can be thrown out and pollute local waterways.

Image:- Manufacturer of Artificial leather

Toxic chemicals

These chemicals are harmful to the health of tannery workers and children from developing countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Kentucky residents living near a tanning salon were five times more likely than Americans to have adverse health outcomes. PETA states that arsenic (another chemical found in these tangerines) is likely to cause lung carcinoma in those who are constantly in contact with it.

Two of the most popular synthetic plastic polymers for faux leather are polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane. Because they are similar to genuine leather and have low prices, they are very popular among fast-fashion brands. These companies can easily claim to be "sustainable" simply by claiming that synthetic leather is cruelty-free. Both PVC and PU are made of fossil fuels, and go through intensive chemical processing to look and feel leather-like.

The WHO has linked PVC with cancer-causing chemicals throughout its life-cycle. PVC is used only by luxury brands for transparent vinyl bags and shoes. PU is a more versatile material in terms of price, quality, and toxicity. However, it takes longer to break down completely and releases harmful chemicals and gases.

Plant-based and vegetable tanning

Luxury brands are returning to the old and natural practice of tanning leather using natural tannin from plant tissues. This is called vegetable tanning. The animal skin is preserved using different parts of the tree. This makes it more sustainable and biodegradable. Vegetable tanning can be a tedious process and requires skilled craftsmanship.

Image:- Manufacturer of Faux leather

Vegetable tanning is not vegan and cannot be sustainable, despite the fact that it reduces the release and use of harmful chemicals. You might think that cattle raised for food might also be used to make leather. However, most of the skins from these animals will end up in a landfill. PETA is against the production of leather from farm byproducts.

This is why it's a good idea to source faux animal skins directly from startup companies that create fibers that look like leather. They use plant-based raw materials and other scraps. The final product may use non-biodegradable glues and foils to keep it together. However, plant-based alternatives require less water and chemicals and have a lower carbon footprint than vegan synthetic plastics.

Article Credit:- GTEX Fabrics. GTEX fabrics is manufacturer and exporters of synthetic leather, Faux leather, PVC leather and leathrrete.

Gtexfabrics is a India's leading Manufacturer and Exporter Leatherette, artificial leather, Synthetic Leather for the past two decades. Manufacturer of Vinyl leather!