The world is becoming more cautious, considerate, and aware of the impact of our choices on the environment and animal welfare., veganism is growing in popularity, and more and more people are switching to cruelty-free alternatives when it comes to food, fabrics, and materials. As humans, we are choosing to go with products that don’t involve the use of animals in the manufacturing processes. One product that has gained considerable attention in the vegan community is leather. We all know that leather is a staple in fashion for centuries and generations, but it usually comes with a really high price. If we want to wear leather goods, we have to accept the fact that we are exploiting and killing animals for their skin. Fortunately, there are a lot of vegan alternatives to leather that are available on the market today. They are both stylish and sustainable. In this article, we are going to talk about going cruelty-free. Keep on reading to learn more about the best vegan alternatives to leather.
1. Synthetic leather
Source: fashinza.com
The first option we are going to talk about is probably the most popular alternative on the market. Synthetic, or faux leather he’s made from polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. As you already know, both of these options are plastics, and that means that there is no need for any type of animal products to create this material. The materials are lightweight, have a similar texture to real leather, and they are extremely durable.
The product is extremely easy to clean, you don’t need to put any special thought into cleaning and maintenance, and you can easily use the products for years to come. One thing that you should be aware of is that a lot of high-end brands are starting to use these materials in their design, so if you are interested in an accessible and trendy option that avoids any type of animal harm, you can easily find the brand that shares your view.
Many fashion brands are aware that if they don’t change the way they approach their manufacturing processes, they’re going to start losing customers. As explained by Asif Ali Gohar, if you want to be successful in leading your brand, and increasing your networking and connections, you need to be aware of the materials you are using. The brands that want to keep climbing the ladder of success have chosen to go with cruelty-free leather alternatives.
2. Cork
Source: teka.com
Another extremely popular option is cork. This is a biodegradable material that is also renewable and sustainable. It has become increasingly popular as an alternative to animal skin. As you already understand, it is made from the bark of the cork oak trees, and they are stripped about every decade without adding any harm to the tree. This means that this material is an entirely renewable source. The trees continue to produce the material for about two centuries.
The main reason why it is a good alternative is because it has fire-resistant and water-resistant properties. It is lightweight and durable, which means that is a great choice for shoes, bags, as well as wallets. This material can be dyed in a variety of colors, and it is available in a variety of textures including anything from smooth to rough. This means that you can find products in any design, color, or shape of your choosing.
3. Mushroom leather
Now we are going to introduce something relatively new to the market. Mushroom leather is a pretty new invention in the world of vegan leather alternatives. As the names as the name suggests, it is made of the root structure of the mushroom, and these parts are grown in a controlled environment. It is harvested and processed into a leather-like material, and even though nowadays there are not a lot of places where you can find this, you should know that it is getting more and more popular by the day. More and more factories and manufacturing places are starting to introduce this type of material.
When it comes to its properties, mushroom leather is biodegradable, lightweight, and durable. It has a unique texture and feel, and even though it is different from traditional leather, it is still a great alternative. It comes in a range of colors, so you don’t have to worry about finding the specific hue or design that you prefer. It can be used to manufacture furniture, shoes, bags, and many other products that are usually made of traditional leather.
4. Pinatex
Source: materialdistrict.com
Another interesting alternative is pinatex. This material is made from pineapple leaves, and the fibers are extracted from the leaves and then they are processed into a non-woven mesh. This mesh can be used to make a variety of products including clothing, shoes, bags, wallets, and so on. This eco-friendly alternative to leather uses the byproduct from the pineapple industry that usually gets discarded. This means that pinatex is not only going to help avoid cruelty-free options, but also it helps with the environment and the use of waste.
This material is water-resistant, durable, and lightweight. The best thing about it is that it has a really similar feel and texture together, and it provides a natural and rustic look. It is available in a variety of colors including natural, black, and brown, so you are free to choose what you want to get depending on your personal preferences.
In addition to these options, you can also go for recycled polyester or even apple leather. All of these materials have their positive and negative sites, just like everything else in the world. The main thing you need to understand is that any of these options is a far better alternative than animal skin. We are going for a world where we would be more considerate, more eco-friendly, and smarter when it comes to our daily choices. As you can see, there are a lot of options, and there are also a lot of brands that have introduced these alternatives instead of traditional leather. No matter if you’re a consumer, or if you run a brand make sure you explore these options and see how they can take help take your experience to the next level while still taking care of the animals and preventing continuous exploitation.
