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The Truth About Vegan Leather
- xoxo.minang
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
What's Inside
Welcome to a new episode of Leathertainment On the Go, where we bring you thoughtful, candid conversations about all things leather — and the myths that come with it. In Episode 2, hosts Tanner and Florian take on one of the most confusing and controversial topics in the modern fashion world: vegan leather.
Is it leather? Is it plastic? Is it even vegan? Let’s unpack the discussion.
The Big Question: What Is Vegan Leather?
Right from the start, Florian brings up a real-life anecdote — a neighbor genuinely believed vegan leather was real leather, just tanned without animal-based chemicals. That’s the level of confusion we're dealing with.
In reality, the term “vegan leather” is mostly unregulated and highly misleading. In some countries, “leather” is a protected term that must refer to animal-derived material. In many others, it’s a free-for-all where plastic-based materials can be sold as “vegan leather” simply because they contain no animal ingredients.
But just because something isn’t made from animals doesn’t mean it’s environmentally sound.
The Paradox of Plastic and Veganism
Tanner calls it what it is — a paradox. Leather, by definition, comes from animals. Veganism, by definition, avoids animal products. So how did “vegan leather” become a thing?
More troubling is what hides beneath that label: plastic, often in the form of polyurethane (PU) or PVC, derived from petroleum. These materials do not biodegrade. They fragment, creating microplastics that now exist in our oceans, our soil — even in our bodies and brains.
We’re living in a time when plastic straws are banned to save turtles, yet plastic handbags get a green pass because they’re branded as "vegan." It's a psychological marketing trick that plays on our desire to feel good about our purchases without digging deeper.
The Label Illusion: Apples, Cacti, and Mushrooms… or Just Marketing?
You’ve seen the terms: apple leather, pineapple leather, cactus leather, mushroom leather. They sound eco-friendly, fresh, and innovative — but what percentage of the material is actually plant-based?
Florian points out a key issue: many of these "plant-based" leathers use just a small percentage of natural content and are heavily reliant on plastic binders for durability. In the early stages, most of these innovations were far from truly sustainable or biodegradable.
So again, we return to the question: Are you being sold plastic wrapped in a feel-good label?
The Cost and Illusion of Value
Here’s where things get even more twisted — many vegan leather products are sold at the same price, or even higher, than real leather. Why? Because they mimic the aesthetic of leather, borrowing its cultural value. But unlike real leather, which can last decades (or even be passed down generations), plastic-based alternatives typically degrade quickly, often in under a year or two.
You're paying luxury prices for something that will end up in landfill far sooner than a well-maintained leather product.
The True Vegan Dilemma
Tanner and Florian are both clear: they respect the vegan lifestyle. For people who choose not to use animal products, that’s a principled and deeply personal choice. But knowingly choosing plastic under the “vegan” banner? That’s likely not what any conscientious vegan wants.
The issue is: genuinely eco-friendly, animal-free materials are still in development. Some like mycelium (mushroom leather) are showing promise, especially when grown into natural fibers like cotton instead of synthetics. But these options are expensive, and currently not widely available.
Until then, consumers must take on the burden of research: Is it truly plant-based? Does it biodegrade? Or is it just plastic in disguise?
A Look Back: Lessons from the Past
We’re living in a disposable culture. But it wasn’t always this way.
Florian reminisces about a time when people owned one pair of leather shoes — and repaired them for decades. Real leather, when properly cared for, has the power to last a lifetime. In contrast, most synthetic “vegan” leathers crack, peel, and deteriorate after minimal wear, ultimately heading to landfill — or worse, contributing to the microplastic crisis.
Sustainability is about long life and low impact, not just “animal-free” checkboxes.
A Call for Smarter Design
Both hosts highlight a huge opportunity for innovation: reverse designing, or creating products with their end-of-life in mind. That means making fashion easy to disassemble, reuse, or biodegrade. It means funding university research and supporting brands truly committed to developing 100% bio-based, compostable alternatives — not plastic-dressed-as-virtue.
Until then, we need to think twice when we see “vegan” labels. Read the ingredients. Ask questions. Understand what you’re buying — and whether it aligns with your values.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Greenwashed
The main takeaway? The term “vegan leather” is not a guarantee of sustainability — and it certainly doesn’t mean “good for the planet.”
Tanner sums it up perfectly:
“When you see the vegan flag, it could be the first clue that you’re being lied to — using your virtuous beliefs to sell you plastic.”
If you're a conscious consumer — vegan or not — it’s time to start asking the uncomfortable questions. That’s the only way we’ll find real, honest, sustainable alternatives.
Thanks for tuning in to Episode 2 of Leathertainment On the Go.
Stay curious, stay informed, and remember: sometimes, the most sustainable choice is the one that lasts.
Listen to the full podcast episode on your favorite platform or follow us on YouTube for more dissected insights — leather and beyond.
It’s true. Vegan ‘leather’ is toxic trash mostly made from plastic that is petroleum based. It’s a greenwashing scam. It doesn’t last, so is bound for the landfill from the moment it’s made. It is full of poisonous materials that we’ll be stuck with FOREVER after it’s manufactured since it doesn’t biodegrade. For these reasons, fake vegan ‘leathers’ are a huge no for the environment, human health, and those who wish to spend their money wisely on things that are actually good quality.
I choose real leather because it looks, smells, and feels gorgeous. With proper care, it can outlast me. And when it does finally wear out, it will degrade and harmlessly return to the earth since it’s a…