What They Don’t Tell You About “Vegan” Leather

“Vegan” leather is harmful to the environment

Vegan leather is meant to be an effective way of helping the environment by using non-animal products.   

However, the production process uses petroleum-based materials, which are harmful to the environment.  You will often hear it referred to as PVC (poly vinyl chloride) and PU (polyurethane) which are plastic materials.  Both release dangerous toxins and are considered the most environmentally damaging type of plastic.  These process practices contribute to the ongoing challenge of climate change and global warming.

Real Leather Has a Longer Life Span

Real leather has the ability to breath and stretch.  The pores in the leather allows air and moisture to pass through.  The last thing you want it to have the leather rip or tear when stretching it.

The overall quality of vegan leather is less than real leather.  Real leather is strong, durable, and natural.  Vegan leather is much thinner which may be easier to use at times, but it is not breathable, tears, flakes, and easily scuffs.  When you are buying leather, you are making an investment, but when you are buying vegan leather you are looking for the right here and now.  Real leather is more expensive, but the quality is better.  After a few years, vegan leather will need to be replaced and you will be spending more money.  There is also a strange odor from the chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

Dyes can be easily transferrable, meaning you must watch what is going near imitation leather.  For example, the blue in blue jeans can rub off and stain.  This would leave a giant eye sore on any piece of furniture.

Serious Red
from $59.00

Deep, ruby red Nappa and chrome free leather with a luxuriously smooth texture.
Leather weight is 3-4oz (1.2 - 1.4mm) thick.

Leather Is More Natural

“Vegan” leather has a more uniform finish while traditional does not.  It is also cheaper to be made and cheaper for consumers, which is its main draw.  

To be vegan or have vegan products you would think that there would be a greater benefit to the environment. In fact, “vegan” leather is not fully biodegradable and releases toxic particles into the environment.

The use of “vegan” leather will be doing the opposite of its intended purposes.  With the toxins used to manufacture it, and not being biodegradable, it is harmful to the environment.  Real leather will stand the test of time so when you are ready you can pass it down from generations to generation (reducing adding waste to landfills).  

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Five Common Mistakes Made With Leather Furniture