Plant-Based Vegan Leather: The Future of Sustainable Fashion

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue in the fashion industry, as more people look for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials that have been shown to have detrimental effects on our planet and humanity's wellbeing. Plant-based vegan leather is one such alternative that has changed the face of sustainable fashion, offering a more environmentally conscious choice for consumers without compromising on style or quality.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of plant-based vegan leather, as well as some of the challenges that it faces in becoming a more widely adopted material within the fashion industry. We will also explore the future of sustainable fashion, and how plant-based materials are poised to take over the market!

Plant-based Vegan Leather Explained

So, what exactly is plant based vegan leather? As the name suggests, it is a material that is made from plants, as opposed to animal skin. This makes it a more sustainable option, as it does not require the raising and killing of animals and bypasses the harmful chemicals and processes involved in traditional leather tanning. 
Of course, faux leather made from PVC and other synthetic materials has been around for many years. However, these options are often criticized for being just as harmful to the environment as animal leather. Plant-based vegan leather, on the other hand, is a much more sustainable choice as it is biodegradable and does not pollute the environment during its production.
There are a number of different plant-based materials, each with their own unique properties, including but not limited to:

Pineapple Leather: Made from the waste fibers of pineapple leaves, this leather is durable and soft with a unique grainy texture.

Cactus Leather: A new material that is created from the pulp of cactus plants. It is water-resistant and has a similar feel to suede.

Mushroom Leather: One of the most innovative plant-based vegan leathers, this material is made from mushroom mycelium and is both biodegradable and robust.

The Benefits of Plant-Based Vegan Leather

One of the main benefits of plant-based vegan leather is that it is much more environmentally friendly than traditional leather. The production of traditional leather requires large amounts of water and energy, and involves the use of toxic chemicals that pollute our air and water sources. Plant-based vegan leather does not require any of these resources, and, as we've mentioned, it is completely biodegradable, meaning that it will not harm the environment when it is disposed of.  
Another benefit of plant-based vegan leather is that it is often more cost-efficient than traditional leather to produce. This is because it does not require the same amount of resources to manufacture, and there is no need to raise and care for animals. This makes plant-based vegan leather an affordable option for those who are pioneering the way forward for sustainable fashion.
Plant-based materials are also extremely versatile and are used in a variety of innovative ways. They can be molded and shaped into different designs, making them ideal for everything from clothing to furniture. This means that there are endless possibilities for what plant-based vegan leather can be used for in the future! Plant-based materials are often robust and durable, meaning that they can withstand everyday wear and tear, and despite many myths surrounding this thought-leading material, plant-based vegan leather is just as soft, stylish, and chic as animal leather.

Barriers to Entry

Despite the many benefits of plant-based vegan leather, there are still some challenges that it faces in becoming a more widely adopted material within the fashion industry. One of the main challenges is that it is still relatively new and unknown, which can make it difficult for designers and consumers to trust in its quality and durability. For example Pineapple leather has been used since the 1990s but is only now being seen as a real contender on the market.
Many of the latest plant-based vegan leather materials are only being produced in small-scale batches which leaves designers with less variety to choose from when producing on a large scale.
Additionally, traditional leather still has a strong hold on the market, due to its long history and status as a luxurious material. This can make it difficult for plant-based vegan leather to compete, but with its array of benefits and continued advancements, it is only a matter of time before plant-based vegan leather becomes the new standard in sustainable fashion. 

Our Final Thoughts

As the world becomes more conscious of the need to adopt sustainable practices, it is only natural that the fashion industry follows suit. Plant-based vegan leather offers a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional leather, and with its many benefits, it is poised to take over as the new standard in sustainable fashion. Despite some challenges, plant-based vegan leather is quickly gaining popularity within the fashion industry, and it is only a matter of time before it becomes the norm.

What are your thoughts on plant-based vegan leather? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to browse through our catalogue of premium plant-based vegan leather accessories!