What Exactly Is Vegan Leather?

The journey of ‘imposter’ leather has been a fascinating one. We dig deeper to understand what it is and how we can contribute to a sustainable and cruelty-free future by opting for leather’s vegan alternative.

- Meghna Sharma

WHAT IS IT?

Vegan leather is essentially the faux (or synthetic) cousin of leather, mimicking sheepskin or cowhide. According to PETA, more than a billion cows, sheep, alligators, ostriches, kangaroos, and even cats and dogs are slaughtered for their skin every year. The horns and tails of many of these animals are cut off without painkillers, and some are even skinned and cut apart while still conscious.

Vegan leather, however, is usually made from plastic-based polyurethane chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). Over the years, ‘imposter leather’ has gone through an innovative journey—with people creating versions of it out of natural products like tree bark, cork, and pineapple leaves, among others. The technology, too, has got better and brands have managed to make it look almost like the real thing.

BUT IS IT SUSTAINABLE?