What IS Vegan Leather Anyway?
July 26, 2007 by admin
Filed under Living Chic and Green, Vegan | Veggie Friendly
A lot of the products I feature here — especially bags and shoes — are made out of “vegan leather”. While vegan leather is an animal-friendly alternative to real leather, it can mean several different materials.
(This jacket is completely animal free!)
Vegan leathers include:
- Vegetan: This is a microfibre material that is specifically designed and used as an animal-friendly leather substitute.
- Lorica: This material is made out of several different microfibers. Sidi, an Italian motorcycle company uses it a lot.
- Birko-Flor: This is what eco-icon Birkenstock uses. It’s made out of acrylic and polyamide felt fibres. There are two kinds — the kind you find on normal Birks and a kind that looks like pleather.
- Birkibuc: Another Birkenstock baby. It’s made out of the same stuff, but looks and feels like nubuck leather.
- PVC: Finally, a term you should be familiar with! Good for animals. Not so good for environment.
- Kydex: This is an acrylic-PVC alloy. It’s produce by Kleerdex, a manufacturing company.
I hoped this helped! Also, remember that being animal-friendly does not necessarily mean you are being eco-friendly. Using old and recycled leather could be better for the environment than buying a brand spankin’ new vegan-friendly bag. It just depends on where your priorities lie and what you are comfortable with!
Consume with a conscience and you’ll be fine!
I’m suprised there’s not a hemp-based leather been made. Its incredible the different products you can manufacture form it. Paper, fuel, food, clothing – the list is endless.
Oh, thank you so much! I was so confused about finding synthetic natural materials…last I heard, vegan leather was called “pleather!” This is sooo helpful.
xoxo
Choubelle
So could a purse, belt or wallet made from PU (poly-urethane) be considered as a “vegan leather” product?
Yes. A vegan product would be made of non-animal materials. That could also mean cotton or canvas or rubber…. lots of options.
What material is the jacket made out of? I am a vegan that does hand made clothing and I’ve had a design for a leather-type hoodie, but haven’t found a material that I want to use. I’m looking for something light weight and close to leather, but would also like to increase my material inventory for future designs, too.