Leather Guide: What is Vegan Leather?

Vegan leather is a man-made material, usually made from polyurethane. It can also be made from plant-based and sustainable materials, such as pineapple leaves, cork, apple peels, cactus and other fruit waste, and recycled plastic. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to animal leather, with a similar appearance and texture to real leather. In fact, as long as the leather is not made from any animal skin, it can be considered vegan leather.

What is vegan leather made of?

Most commercial vegan leather is made from recycled plastic materials: PVC, PU (polyurethane), polyester, nylon, etc. Many people choose to avoid this type of artificial leather because most of its raw materials come from petroleum, a finite fossil fuel, and continued manufacturing may lead to the depletion of fossil fuels.
However, there are also some products used to replicate the appearance of leather from other sources. These include cork, cactus, grape skins, mushrooms, palm leaves, and apple peels. Currently, in order to ensure the strength and practicality of these materials, the vast majority of them are backed or mixed with synthetic resins and plastics.

What is the difference between vegan leather and full-grain leather?
The main differences between vegan leather and full-grain leather are their material composition, appearance, durability, and environmental impact.

1. Material composition
Full-grain leather: Made from the top layer of natural animal hide (usually cowhide) without removing any surface imperfections.
Vegan leather: Made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or from natural alternatives such as pineapple leaves, apple peels, or mushroom mycelium, without the use of any animal leather.

2. Appearance and Grain:
Full-grain leather: rich in texture, with clear veins and visible imperfections, more character; develops a patina over time, enhancing the look, making it unique over time.
Vegan leather can mimic the look of genuine leather but lacks the natural grain pattern of animal hides, has a smoother, more uniform texture, and is available in a variety of colors and finishes.

3. Durability:
Full-grain leather: Extremely durable, resistant to wear and tear, and will last for decades if properly cared for. Gets more beautiful and supple over time.
Vegan leather: Typically not as durable as full-grain leather, especially PU or PVC leather, which can crack or peel over time. Natural vegan alternatives, such as mushroom leather, vary in durability but are generally not as strong as animal leather.

4. Environmental impact:
Full-grain leather: Full-grain leather production comes with some environmental and ethical issues. Obtaining leather from fur requires farming, and some farms may reduce the welfare of livestock in order to produce large quantities of products. Leather manufacturing and tanning require a lot of resources, including energy and water, which generates waste. It uses chemicals such as chromium salts, which produce toxic wastewater, pollute land and water sources, and are not environmentally sustainable.
Vegan leather: Vegan leather is easier to make than animal leather, requires fewer resources, and its production process is energy-saving and water-saving. Vegan leather requires low-cost natural fibers, agricultural waste, and recyclable materials, so it is both environmentally friendly and harmless to animals. But artificial leather made from plastic is not 100% biodegradable, and the amount of waste generated by large-scale production of plastic-based vegan leather is comparable to that of traditional leather manufacturing, which is also an important reason for the increasing popularity of non-plastic vegan leather.

Summary - What are the benefits of vegan leather?
1. It is cheap, simple, and quick to make;
2. It is widely used and available in a variety of textures and finishes;
3. It is stain-resistant, not easy to fade, not easy to wear or crack, and is waterproof and UV-resistant.
4. It is ethically produced, harmless to the environment and animals, and can be made from a variety of sustainable materials, helping many sustainable fashion brands grow.

How do you maintain vegan leather products?
There are many differences between vegan leather and traditional animal leather; however, they all have one thing in common: that is maintenance.
Although vegan leather is more durable than traditional animal leather, a certain degree of maintenance is still required in order to be able to use vegan leather bags for a long time.

1. Regular cleaning
The key to maintaining the appearance and life of vegan leather is regular cleaning, which is important. To avoid damaging your vegan leather, it is recommended to use a soft cloth dampened with water or a mild soap solution (dishwashing liquid or detergent) to gently wipe the surface. Avoid using bleach, harsh detergents, or abrasive cleaners. For more stubborn stains, you can use a special vegan leather cleaner with a microfiber cloth or an old soft toothbrush to gently wipe away dirt and marks, or you can go to your local dry cleaner for cleaning.

2. Repair flaws immediately.
Since you can’t just throw your vegan leather products into the washing machine, cleaning stains immediately is essential to maintaining them. It’s best to treat stains as soon as you notice them, as the longer you wait, the harder they may be to remove. For severe damage, such as tears, scuffs, or deep scratches, consider seeking professional repair services. Leather restoration experts can provide the proper treatment and repair methods to restore the appearance and functionality of your vegan leather products.

3. Proper storage method
To prevent wrinkles and maintain the shape of the vegan leather product bag, please avoid folding or compressing it for a long time. When storing vegan leather products, avoid excessively humid temperatures, such as in basements, and choose a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. If the vegan leather product gets wet, please let it air dry naturally and do not use direct heat sources such as hair dryers or heaters. When not in use, it is best to use a dust bag or similar protective cover to ensure the safety of the item when it is stored.