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Definition
Real Leather is a durable material made from the tanning of animal skins. Common sources include cattle, sheep, goats, and even aquatic animals. The process involves killing animals and using chemicals to preserve their skins.
Vegan Leather refers to materials that mimic leather but are made from non-animal sources. According to MIT researchers, it’s a term for materials resembling leather but made from plants or synthetic compounds.
Differences
Raw Material
- Real Leather: Primarily made from animal skin, with cattle hides being the most common source.
- Vegan Leather: Derived from various raw materials, including waste fruit, mushrooms, cork, cactus, and bamboo.
Processing
- Real Leather Processing: Involves energy-intensive and chemical-heavy methods, leading to significant environmental pollution.
- Vegan Leather Processing: Techniques like those used to create pineapple leather Piñatex are more environmentally friendly, using natural fibers and less harmful chemicals.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Real Leather is known for its warmth, breathability, durability, and unique appearance.
- Vegan Leather offers an eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternative, with many types being easier and less resource-intensive to produce.
Disadvantages
- Real Leather production is resource-intensive and involves harmful chemicals, posing environmental and health risks.
- Vegan Leather can suffer from durability issues, often cracking or peeling over time, unlike real leather.
In conclusion, both real leather and vegan leather have their pros and cons. The choice between them often comes down to personal ethics, environmental concerns, and aesthetic preferences.
