When it comes to quality, durability and pleasant feel, many people still believe that there is no substitute for genuine leather. However, there are increasingly new high-quality alternatives that offer ethical advantages. This blog article highlights what these are, what properties and processing methods they involve, and how they can help achieve sustainability goals.
Reasons for the decision against leather
Different criteria are important to different people when it comes to lifestyle choices. These can include cost, ethical considerations or other factors. For people who follow a vegan lifestyle, genuine leather is not an option, for example, as it is an animal product. It is often declared as a by-product of the meat industry, but it remains a product made from animal skin. In addition, leather production has a significant environmental impact – from high water consumption to the use of chemicals for tanning. Last but not least, leather is generally a durable material, but it can be high-maintenance when it comes to external influences.
Whether it's avoiding animal products, trying to minimise your environmental footprint or simply wanting something new, there are many reasons to look for alternatives to real leather. Another reason is that behind the door of high-quality leather alternatives lie innovative treasures that even animal leather fans will love.
Classic leather alternatives: imitation leather and synthetics
When genuine leather needs to be imitated, imitation leather is traditionally used. This is often made of polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Although it is not a natural product, it can be produced in a vegan-friendly way. Depending on the production process, valuable resources such as water can also be saved. It can be produced in countless designs and the similarity to animal leather is sometimes impressive.
The use of recycled plastic as a base material is particularly sustainable. Plastic bottles, in particular, often form the basis for beautiful and robust handbags and other items. This also contributes to waste prevention and resource conservation.
Prefer something more natural? Teak leather, apple leather, pineapple leather and more
Although classic imitation leather offers many advantages, some people are bothered by the artificiality of the finished product or would like the materials to be more biodegradable. This is where other innovative leather alternatives come into their own:
- Apple leather: Apple leather, for example, is not yet very well known. As it is made from apple waste such as peel and cores, it is based on sustainable raw materials and organic waste products. The result is a leather-like material with a pleasant feel.
- Pineapple leather: Also known as Piñatex, this leather alternative is made from the leaf fibres of pineapple plants. Here, too, waste products are reused – without the need for additional agricultural land. The breathable, water-repellent and tear-resistant properties of this material are particularly valuable in shoes, bags and accessories.
- Mushroom leather: Another alternative to animal leather that does not contain any animal components is mushroom leather. This is made from the root network of mushrooms, known as mycelium. In addition to its naturalness, one advantage is its rapid growth, which does not require large amounts of water. Its texture is very similar to that of real leather and it can be processed using environmentally friendly methods.
- Cork leather: Cork leather is obtained from the bark of cork oak trees. The trees do not need to be felled for this purpose – the bark simply grows back. The fact that cork oak trees are able to bind large amounts of CO₂ makes them particularly climate-friendly. Cork leather is a durable material that is light and supple, yet robust – with a natural look.
- Teak leather: Teak leather is also one of the lesser-known alternatives, yet it offers a number of advantages. It is made from teak leaves, which are naturally quite strong. The resulting durability of the material is often optimised by adding an additional layer of wax with water-repellent properties.
- Paper leather: In addition to wood as a base material, cellulose and latex are also used in the production of washable paper leather. Although paper is automatically associated with a certain instability, paper leather is tear-resistant and durable, making it perfect for various accessories.
If you want to avoid animal-based components in your clothing or actively improve your own ecological footprint, there are plenty of options available in the form of leather alternatives such as apple leather or mushroom leather. If the look and properties of leather are not that important to you, it is worth taking a look at alternative materials that have little to do with leather design. Whether it's a lightweight cotton bag or a sturdy rattan bag these are also stylish ways to make a sustainable statement.
Responsible sustainability with the Faedah Collection
More and more people are turning to leather alternatives and cruelty-free products – whether for ethical reasons or for the sake of the environment. Innovative brands that don't compromise on design are catering to this ideal. At Faedah Collection, you'll find a range of responsible brands that are making a statement in the fashion industry with timeless cuts, sustainable materials, eco-friendly dyes and fair working conditions .