In recent years, “vegan leather” has become a buzzword in the fashion industry, often claimed to be an ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional leather. While the idea of cruelty-free materials is alluring, (primarily due to greenwashing), it’s essential to dig deeper into what vegan leather is truly made out of and its long-term impact on the environment and our planet. At Blue&Blues, we’ve made a conscious decision to prioritize high-quality, ethically sourced leather over its synthetic alternatives. Here’s why.
What Is Vegan Leather?
Vegan leather is typically made from synthetic materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While these materials mimic the appearance of traditional leather, they are essentially a form of plastic. They are derived from fossil fuels- making them reliant on non-renewable resources of energy. Thereby, they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change. Some newer alternatives use plant-based materials, such as apple skins, mushrooms, or pineapple leaves which are better alternatives to completely synthetic options such as PU or PVC. However, these still rely on plastic backings or coatings for durability, which limits their sustainability.
The Longevity Problem
Keeping environmental impact aside, one of the primary issues with "vegan leather" is its durability. Due to the synthetic nature of the materials, they often start to crack, peel and degrade after a few uses. This results in more frequent replacements, contributing to overall fast fashion waste and consumer frustration.
Leather products, on the other hand, have significantly higher tensile strength and longevity compared to synthetic alternatives. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association, genuine leather can withstand more than 20 times the stress before breaking compared to synthetic options, ensuring durability and long-term use.
By choosing durable, ethically sourced leather, Blue&Blues ensures our products are designed to last for decades, reducing the need for replacements and promoting mindful consumption.
Environmental Impact
When comparing the environmental impact of vegan leather and responsibly sourced leather, a key distinction lies in their long-term effects on the planet. Vegan leather, typically made from synthetic materials, contributes significantly to the microplastics crisis. As these materials break down, tiny plastic particles are released into the environment, eventually entering the ocean, where marine life mistakes them for food. This not only harms aquatic creatures but also contaminates the food chain, potentially affecting human health by introducing toxins linked to cancer and inflammation.
On the other hand, leather is a biodegradable, bio-based material that naturally decomposes at the end of its lifecycle, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. When sourced responsibly, as we do at Blue&Blues through partnerships with Leather Working Group (LWG) Gold certified tanneries, leather has a much smaller environmental footprint. It is produced ethically with minimal environmental impact and without harmful chemicals, offering a more sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.
Vegan is not Always Good!
The term “vegan” often leads consumers to believe a product is inherently better for the planet. However, sustainability is about more than just avoiding animal products. It requires a holistic approach and it is important to consider the entire lifecycle of a material—from production to disposal. Vegan leather’s reliance on plastic and its short lifespan undermine its perceived sustainability. By contrast, our leather goods are designed with longevity in mind. A single well-crafted leather bag can outlast multiple synthetic alternatives, making it the more sustainable and mindful choice in the long run.
At Blue&Blues, we believe in creating products that stand the test of time. Our commitment to using ethically sourced leather reflects our dedication to quality, functionality, and sustainability. By investing in materials that improve with use, we offer our customers a product that’s not only luxurious but also a conscious choice for the planet.
The fashion industry is at a crossroads. As consumers, we have the power to drive change by prioritizing quality over quantity and choosing materials that align with long-term sustainability goals and not fast and short lived fashion trends. At Blue&Blues, we’re proud to stand for thoughtful design and mindful consumption, offering products that blend timeless elegance with responsible practices. Join us in embracing a future where luxury meets sustainability, and quality takes precedence over fleeting trends.
