When it comes to fashion, have you ever wondered if there's a better alternative to leather? Well, the answer is yes, and it's called vegan leather. Now, I know what you're thinking - vegan and leather don't seem to go hand in hand. But trust me, vegan leather is the best way to describe a material that mimics the look and feel of leather without any of the negative impacts.
Leather has long been associated with luxury and durability, making it a popular choice for handbags, shoes, and accessories. However, the truth is that the production of animal leather comes at a significant cost to both the environment and animal welfare. It's not just about the animals; it affects us too because, let's not forget, we are also animals.
The Cost of Animal Leather
Let's take a closer look at the cost of animal leather. After an animal is slaughtered, its skin goes through a process that involves the use of various chemicals, including lime, to remove hair and flesh. Then, it's tanned using toxic chemicals before being transformed into accessories and clothing. This process is not only unpleasant but also highlights the importance of opting for animal-friendly alternatives (1).
The leather industry takes a toll right from the start of the manufacturing process. The land required for raising animals leads to massive deforestation in places like South America, contributing significantly to climate change and a decline in biodiversity. In fact, the cattle-raising industry is responsible for about 80% of the deforestation rates in the Amazon. This deforestation not only destroys habitats but also increases greenhouse gas emissions (2).
Moreover, the tanning process involves the use of toxic chemicals, including cancer-causing chromium, acids, sodium, and ammonia salts. These chemicals can leak into water sources, posing a threat to the environment and the health of tannery workers who are exposed to them on a daily basis, leading to various illnesses and even death (3). It's clear that the leather industry leaves much to be desired. We need a more compassionate and cruelty-free approach.
The Solution - What Vegan Leather is Made of
That's where vegan leather comes in. So, what exactly is vegan leather made of? There have been ongoing developments in leather alternatives for quite some time. Most of the vegan leathers available today consist of a fabric base with a polymer coating that gives it the texture and appearance similar to real leather. These alternatives have come a long way since the days of the first automobiles when "Fabrikoid," a mass-produced faux leather, was introduced in General Motors cars back in 1915 (4). Rest assured, your vegan purse is not made from the same material as antique car seats.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for leather alternatives in the fashion industry, leading to the development of various materials. One of the most common types of vegan leather is polyurethane (PU), often referred to as "pleather." However, PU has its drawbacks, primarily due to its poor quality. PU typically consists of a polyester or nylon woven base coated in polyurethane. Since woven materials tend to stretch, the top coat of PU also stretches, causing the "leather-like finish" to crack and peel after some use. Additionally, PU often has an unpleasant smell, resembling tires or a new basketball (not exactly what you want from your fashion accessories).
Is Vegan Leather Durable?
At Doshi, we believe in providing you with high-quality vegan accessories that are built to last. That's why we use microfiber vegan leather instead of PU. Microfiber, coated with polyurethane, offers a more leather-like feel and appearance, thanks to its non-woven base. Compared to other vegan leather options, it has higher abrasion resistance and greater flexibility. With Doshi's microfiber vegan leather products, you can enjoy durability without compromising your commitment to a cruelty-free lifestyle.
If you're interested in learning more about why we choose microfiber vegan leather, we have more in-depth content about vegan materials and our stance on sustainable fashion. And of course, don't forget to explore our collection of vegan wallets, vegan belts, vegan shoes, vegan jackets, and vegan bags. By supporting Doshi, you're making a conscious choice to embrace sustainable and compassionate fashion.
Together, we can create a world where fashion is kind to animals, the environment, and ourselves.
References:
- Commodity series: No more hiding for the leather industry
- This is How Animal Agriculture Causes Deforestation
- Toxic chemicals used for leather production poisoning India’s tannery workers
- Genuine Imitation Leather
