Vegan leather - What is it?

In this blog we tell you everything you need to know about vegan leather, a great stranger that is revolutionising the world of fashion.

This animal cruelty-free material has arrived to change the way we see and use leather products, opening up a universe of creative and conscious possibilities.

In the last few years, vegan leather has emerged as a viable and conscious alternative, ideal for those looking for an option that matches their ethical values.

What is vegan leather?

Vegan leather is characterised by its non-animal origin, which means that it is not derived from the exploitation or killing animals. This characteristic has attracted the attention and preference of those who are looking for options aligned with a lifestyle of ethical and sustainable values.

Vegan leather manufacturing avoids traditional processes involving the use of animal skins and instead looks for alternative and sustainable sources.

This material is an ethical and conscious response to the demand for leather products without compromising animal welfare.

In this article PETA tells you all the reasons why you should have vegan leather in your wardrobe.

Vegan leather is plastic?

No, and yes, it depends. There are many types of vegan leather depending on their origin.

Vegan leathers can be made from different materials and depending on their origin they can be organic or synthetic, this means that effectively, there are vegan leathers made from plastic and other vegan leathers that are made from organic materials such as vegetables, plants or fruits.

At Beflamboyant, we manufacture footwear from materials with more than 70% organic base, more specifically corn leather , so our vegan leather footwear is not plastic.

What material is organic leather made of?

Organic leather manufacturers are looking to provide sustainable alternatives to traditional leather, reducing reliance on animal-based materials and using by-products from the food industry to create environmentally friendly products. It is also an industry that is in a constant research and development phase, looking for new materials and new ways of using waste from other industries.

Types of organic leather

1. Corn leather: This is the leather we use at Beflamboyant to make our footwear. Corn leather is produced from the waste products of the corn industry, such as leaves and stalks. The process involves the fermentation and transformation of the starches present in the corn into a biodegradable material with properties similar to those of animal leather.
2. Grape leather: Grape leather is a by-product of the wine industry, obtained from the skins and seeds of grapes, which are normally thrown away.
3. Apple leather: This leather is produced from apple waste, such as peels and cores.
4. Pineapple leather: Pineapple leather or piñatex is a material made from the leaves of the pineapple plant, is known for its durability and versatility, and is a popular choice in sustainable fashion.
5. Mushroom leather: It is obtained from mushroom fibres.
6. Coffee leather: Coffee leather is made from a combination of coffee industry waste and natural polymers. The coffee grounds are recycled and mixed with other components to create a durable material with characteristics similar to conventional leather.
7. Cactus leather: This leather is produced from cactus pulp. The process involves extracting fibres from the leaves of the plant, which are treated to obtain a flexible, resistant and environmentally friendly material.
8. Mango leather: This mango leather is obtained by a natural process using extracts from the fruit, providing a unique material with soft and aromatic properties.

Some of the advantages of choosing vegan leather

Choosing vegan leather is not only a more ethical and sustainable choice, but also offers a wide range of benefits:

1. Sustainability: Vegan leather uses no animal products. This helps reduce the demand for traditional leather, which can contribute to deforestation and animal abuse.
2. Variety: Vegan leather offers a wide range of options in terms of colours, textures and designs. You can find vegan leather in different shades and patterns to suit your personal style and preferences.
3. Durability: Vegan leather can be just as strong and durable as traditional leather. This means you can enjoy vegan leather products that will last a long time and maintain their original appearance.
4. Easy maintenance: Vegan leather is generally easier to clean and maintain than traditional leather. You can wipe it with a damp cloth and use neutral cleaning products to keep it in good condition.

We teach you how to identify vegan leather

Labels will be your best friend in this task. Look at the composition of the clothing, footwear or accessory and check the materials used in its production.

In addition, we recommend that you ask the brand directly about the materials used in the production of their products. Brands committed to sustainability and vegan products are transparent with their customers and will provide you with all the information you need.

We recommend that you check the certificates the brand has obtained to get an even clearer answer.

Now, that you are an expert in vegan leather and know all the details about its origin and characteristics, we invite you to think about why you should continue consuming products that harm animals and the environment.

With so many options, vegan leather is the ethical and sustainable alternative that doesn't compromise on quality or style.