What is eco leather?

We all know that we love leather! It’s luxurious, soft, stylish, yet incredibly durable. Now we know why humans have relied on leather to adorn our lives for centuries.

However, not everything about leather aligns. There’s a cost to the environment which is not so good. Slowly and steadily we have adopted many habits that would relieve our environment from unwanted waste.

Eco-leather is no different.

The term “Eco-leather” refers to leather or hide that has been tanned with a low environmental impact process.

Also sometimes, eco-leather is any leather alternative that doesn’t come from a creature. Utmost Eco-leather is made from mill-grounded raw material or vinyl.

In the end, it’s still leather.

What is fossil eco leather?

There’s no patented composition of fossil leather it’s for all aims and purposes 100% authentic leather or hides, the only disparity being that the product conditioning linked to manufacturing operations, from seasoning to tannin to dyeing, to disposal, is made by minimising the environmental impact.

It’s a dainty leather but with unique characteristics that justify the lofty price in favour of a product of excellent class.

Difference between eco leather and real leather?

Well, eco-leather is still real leather. If we try to explain to you in a simpler manner. Eco-leather does less harm to the environment. While real leather takes a lot of work and resources that eventually harm the environment.

Apart from harmful tanning processes that cost a toll on the environment but also the folks that perform such things for their living. Animal killing is another point, though sometimes in both cases animal hides may include.

There are other materials that also contribute to eco-leather to be a greener alternative.

Is eco leather the same as faux leather?

The answer to this question is NO. There is a difference between faux and eco-leather. Faux leather, also referred to as vegan leather is exactly what it sounds like: Fake, artificial, or synthetic leather. It’s made using primarily chemicals. Generally, a plastic subcaste is clicked to a polyester fabric base material.

The tanning of the leather may vary. But if we have to choose a green one. That has to be faux leather as it does not cost much to the environment.

Eco leather impacts the environment compared to faux leather

We are comparing leather types that are eco-friendly to an extent. Both of these materials have their flaws. As every leather type has its own perks, today we will see which leather type is greener.

As eco-leather is something that only focuses on tanning, we have come to the conclusion that faux leather is greener and impacts the environment less.

Eco leather’s biodegradability offers an advantage over non-biodegradable faux leather, impacting waste management. Despite differing environmental footprints, both materials require careful consideration of their production processes and end-of-life management to mitigate their respective impacts.

However, this material also goes by other names as well, such as leatherette, vegan leather, and eco-leather to name a few.

Don’t forget to pamper your leather!

Is eco leather considered vegan leather?

Is faux leather vegan in its entirety? The answer is that yes, it is. No matter how real it looks, faux leather isn’t made with any animal products.

Synthetic leather is produced with different chemicals and a totally different industrial process to real leather. Bonding together a plastic coating to a fabric backing is the most common way to make faux leather.

Eco leather vs. Bonded leather

So which is better bonded or the eco. Eco leather If explained with brevity, eco-leather is obtained from cowhide from organically raised cattle or other artificial materials. Eco leather is also known as vegan leather.

While bonded leather is a material consisting of leather fibres and binders. It’s produced in rolls and should have a leather fibre content of at least 50%.

The leather-like properties of the material, its complex structure, the favourable price and the ability to process it into sheets and or rolls make the use of leather fibres attractive. Another plus point is that it is produced from waste during leather production.

Is eco leather durable?

Totally, eco leather is just like any other leather material regardless of its properties. Though sometimes such leather materials should be taken care off properly. You can never expect the level of durability from eco leather.

How to clean eco leather?

Cleaning Eco Leather

Dirty eco leather goods do not look very pretty. Always try to wipe those stains off as soon as possible. Always try to remove stains within an hour or so. If the stain is oily you can use any mild talcum powder to dry out the stain so then you can take action upon it.

To remove the stains without harming your leather good you can follow these steps :

Things that are required:   

• Spray bottle
• Filtered water
• White vinegar
• Dry towel
• Pocket tissues

Simply mix white vinegar and filtered water in a spray bottle. Don’t make the solution very hard. The solution should be mild enough so that it does not harm your bag.

Then blot the solution over the stain and wipe it off with a dry towel. Then spray normal water to make sure there isn’t any vinegar left on the bag. Use a pocket tissue to dry out the surface evenly.

Leatherette vs Eco-leather

Leatherette is a synthetic material designed specifically to mimic leather. It’s also known as fake leather, faux leather, and synthetic leather, although in the furniture industry, leatherette is the most common name.

It’s typically made from natural or synthetic fibres coated with PVC or polyurethane and no animal by-products, unlike real leather which is made from animal hide treated with chemicals. Looking at eco-leather, this leather type is also not very different. 

This type is also made to mimic real leather. To put it in simple words, eco-leather is any leather alternative that does not come from an animal. Most eco-leather is made from plant-based material or vinyl. As this is vegan leather, With proper care and maintenance, eco-leather can last for 10 to 20 years. 

This type of leather consists of natural leather skin/hide, fabric materials, and recycled leather materials. It may also come from recovered products from the byproduct industry, including vegan leather materials.

Why choose vegetable tanned leather over eco-leather?

This is a debatable question. Leather is indeed the most durable material you can find on the planet. Today, we have different types of leather types. They all differ in their tanning and production. 

Choosing a vegetable-tanned leather is the best thing you can do!

WHY?

Well, not just for us these veggies make not just us but the leather bag look better as they age. Instead of drying out these vegetable-tanned products get a rich look and chic platina. Also, the tanning method is ancient and requires skilled craftsmen, making vegetable tanned leather products more prestigious.

Last but not least, that earthy pleasing smell will take you to a whole another dimension.