Vegan and real leather play a significant role in the thriving leather industry. The most common vegan leather is faux, made from petroleum-based products. However, vegan bags can also be crafted from environment-friendly materials. Vegan leather bags are flexible, lightweight, and often as durable as natural leather.
They can also be produced in various colors. There are numerous reasons why working with vegan leather can be rewarding, and the final products, like handbags or jackets, can be long-lasting and high-quality. Undoubtedly, the fashion industry is seeing a surge in vegan leather alternatives, making an impact.
More consumers have switched to synthetic leather bags as more animal welfare issues make the headlines. Continue reading to learn why you should own vegan leather bags instead of classic leather.
1. Friendly to the environment
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You contribute to the “green” environmental goals by buying vegan handbags. Companies that produce vegan-type products usually use recycled materials. Some of these “vegan” companies donate profits to animal sanctuaries or movements dedicated to the environment.
Plus, leading global brands are adopting vegan leather as they recognize the importance of sustainability. They provide stylish, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free products that allow consumers to make a positive impact while looking fashionable. Because of their influence, consumers are prompted to support these responsible initiatives.
2. Cost-effective
Vegan leather is way cheaper to produce than traditional leather. Animal leather production has fuel, chemicals, labor, farmland, food, and shelter expenses, making classic leather pricier. These production farms generate substantial amounts of waste and methane gas, which is detrimental and unpleasant for the planet.
Vegan leather comes in various forms but can be broadly categorized into two main types:
Natural vegan leather
Natural vegan leather primarily consists of plant-based materials, including various innovative sources such as walnut, pineapple fibers, cork, and fungi. These eco-friendly materials can be grouped under the term “plant leathers.”
By harnessing the unique properties of these plants and organic materials, natural vegan leather offers a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to traditional animal leather. Other natural vegan leather materials include:
- Fruit peels
- Cactus
- Mushrooms
- Coconuts
- Leaves
- Fruit waste
- Bio-oils from cereal crops
Synthetic vegan leather
Synthetic vegan leather makes bags and other accessories mimic traditional leather’s look and feel without using animal products. Think of it like an artificial alternative to real leather. Like real leather, synthetic vegan leather can be designed to have different textures and finishes, making it a versatile material for a variety of fashion items.
It can be made to look like suede, patent leather, or even snakeskin. Synthetic vegan leather offers a cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather, making items look attractive.
With vegan bags, you can enjoy a wallet-friendly option that closely resembles traditional leather in texture while benefiting the environment.
3. Takes more time to fade
Also, vegan leather bags have a longer lifespan than genuine leather, saving you money by not having to replace your bag frequently. The big downside with classic leather bags is that their colors fade. This is a problem since traditional leather bags are heavier on the pockets. However, you won’t get this problem with vegan leather.
The manufacturing process ensures consistent color in vegan bags and improves overall durability. These colors last longer than those found in traditional animal hide leather bags. Technological advancements have also greatly enhanced vegan leather’s quality control.
4. No animals were killed
Animals are never harmed in the process of making vegan leather. Promoting vegan leather reduces the inhumane practice of obtaining animal hides for bag manufacturing. It safeguards animals and frees the brand and consumers from the guilt of using classic leather bags. Wouldn’t you prefer to carry a bag without being burdened by the idea that some animal had to lose its life?
5. Easier maintenance
Since vegan leather features a plastic coating, it is inherently waterproof. This property simplifies cleaning with a mild detergent or wiping with a damp cloth. However, it also means that conditioning products cannot penetrate the material to prevent drying and cracking.
Nonetheless, specific products can shield it from high temperatures and sun rays, preventing cracks and maintaining the material’s quality. When unwrinkling vegan leather, avoid directly pressing the iron on the material. Synthetic ‘pleather’ contain plastic, which can be damaged by heat, potentially ruining your bag. Using a sheet or a towel, you can steam the faux leather to eliminate wrinkles.
6. Looks just as good as classic leather
The latest vegan bags perfectly mimic the appearance of animal leather, often making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Sometimes, they may appear more visually appealing than natural leather.
Many leather experts claim they would have difficulty distinguishing between vegan and natural leather just by looking at them. This is because vegan leather closely replicates the roughness and texture of natural leather.
7. Currently trendy
With vegan fashion gaining mainstream acceptance, many celebrities are embracing veganism and advocating for animal-friendly items. Miley Cyrus has long promoted vegan living, consistently choosing sustainable fashion and sharing these values with her fans. Celebrity influence encourages people to adopt a vegan lifestyle and prioritize sustainability over harmful fashion trends.
This movement towards cruelty-free fashion is also supported by major fashion brands now rejecting leather and fur. Brands like Burberry, Versace, and Calvin Klein are emerging as responsible companies that care for the environment.
8. Higher durability
Classic leather can outlast faux leather but uses extensive chemical treatment during production. A common misconception is that real leather is a natural, eco-friendly product. However, the heavy chemicals used in the tanning process say otherwise. Aside from durability, vegan leather bags offer ethical production and cruelty-free manufacturing.
Vegan bags employ durable and ethically-sourced materials, which enhances their longevity. These bags can last a lifetime, making them an excellent investment for many seasons ahead. The durability also makes them versatile since they can be paired with various outfits to complete your desired look.
9. Better versatility
The durability makes vegan leather bags versatile since they can be paired with various outfits to complete your desired look. Great quality vegan leather undergoes extensive processing, yielding a material ideal for crafting high-end retro bags that enhance fashion sense.
Vegan bags are here to stay!
Vegan leather bags are in vogue, with big-time personalities carrying them to public events. Now is the opportunity to showcase a bag with the confidence that it is both cruelty-free. Brands envision a future where consumers use fashionable bags without a dark history. You can always choose vegan bags for their versatile design or to voice your support for innocent animals.
References:
https://www.prettyprogressive.com/5-top-reasons-you-should-get-vegan-leather-bags/
https://mahileather.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-vegan-leather
https://nordace.com/en/all-you-need-to-know-about-vegan-leather-bags/
