There has been a lot of interest and questions about ‘Vegan Leather’ in both my industry and the news and social media lately and I wanted to provide a little education on this product.
Full grain leather offers several advantages over vegan leather:
Full Grain Leather Advantages:
- Better Environmental Impact: While leather production has environmental concerns, full-grain leather can have a lower overall environmental impact than most types of vegan leather, especially those made with petroleum-based materials. The animal hides used for tanning are a byproduct of the food industry and if they were not tanned to make leather they would most likely end up in a landfill. Thus natural leather is actually a form or recycling or up cycling of a waste product. The manufacturing processes of vegan leather usually involves synthesis from a petroleum product that adds to the carbon footprint and also created a waste issue as vegan leather in general cannot be recycled.
-
Durability and Longevity: Full-grain leather is significantly more durable than most vegan leathers. It’s more resistant to scratches, tears, and wear, lasting much longer with proper care. This translates to a better return on investment in the long run and possibly (with personal items like purses or handbags for example) and item that will be handed down to future generations.
-
Natural Beauty and Character: The natural imperfections and markings (like scars and wrinkles) give full-grain leather its unique character and a more luxurious look that many find appealing. Vegan leathers often try to mimic this, but rarely achieve the same authenticity.
-
Breathability: Leather is a natural material that breathes, allowing for better air circulation. This is particularly beneficial in items like shoes or gloves, preventing sweating and discomfort. Vegan leathers are generally less breathable because they are usually made from petroleum products..
-
Aging and Patina: Full-grain leather develops a beautiful patina over time, creating a unique and desirable aged look. This characteristic adds to its value and charm. Vegan leathers typically don’t age in this way; they may crack or peel.
-
Water Resistance (with proper treatment): While not inherently waterproof, full-grain leather can be treated to become water-resistant. Many vegan leathers are less water-resistant and may stain easily.
Important Considerations:
-
Cost: Full-grain leather is generally more expensive than vegan leather.
-
Maintenance: Full-grain leather requires more care and maintenance than vegan leather. It needs regular cleaning and conditioning to maintain its quality and appearance.
- Functionality: Vegan leather doesn’t have the same properties as the vegetable tanned leather I use for carving and stamping, so it can’t be used to make most of the products you will see on my website.
In summary, full-grain leather offers superior durability, natural beauty, and potentially better longevity, but comes at a higher price and with ethical considerations. Vegan leather provides a more affordable and cruelty-free alternative, but often compromises on durability and longevity and potentially has higher environmental impacts.