Is The RM162 Billion Faux/Vegan Leather Industry Detrimental to the Environment?

Faux leather, or also known as Vegan leather, has gained global popularity. This affordable material is increasingly in demand. However, it comes with a significant hidden cost, as it is allegedly unsustainable.

According to reports, the faux/vegan leather industry is worth around RM162 billion. This type of “leather” is seen as a cheap alternative to the cost of actual leather. However, the longevity of said material and its environmental impact may not seem as worth it as one may think. 

The negative impact of faux/vegan leather

Mass marketing has promoted Vegan leather as a cruelty-free option, but its negative impacts are significant. 

According to MoonShaft, a leather goods brand states that most vegan leather, made from PU and PVC, contributes to plastic pollution, sheds harmful microplastics, and has a high carbon footprint. The production process involves toxic chemicals that can pollute air and water, posing health risks to workers.

Sustainability talk

In recent years, discussions on sustainability have been prevalent. Despite this, the popularity of vegan and faux leather has surged. It is paradoxical, given the frequent news coverage about microplastics, that consumers continue to buy PU material items for daily wear despite it being less sustainable than real leather. 

Durability of synthetic leather

Rose Anvil, a popular YouTube channel dedicated to leather items, recently highlighted that faux leather is neither comfortable nor breathable for users. The material’s structure, consisting of a plastic layer over a cloth underlining, tends to peel off over time.

Regardless, it would always be a wiser choice to choose the more sustainable item at a slightly higher price point. There are a number of boutique brands like MoonShaft that sell real leather items that are not out of reach for most people.