(R.SQUARE):VEGAN LEATHER

Vegan leather vs. the environment

 

The reason for so much concern about vegan skin is now. Of course, most people know that no plastic is good for the environment, but the problem with vegan leather is not just the materials used. This is how vegan leather is made. During its production and disposal, vegetarians release PVC dioxins into the skin, which are potentially dangerous in confined spaces and, of course, dangerous if burned. If the material is burned during removal toxins are profoundly dangerous to humans. Dioxins, for instance, can cause formative and conceptive issues and even malignancy. In addition, during the manufacturing process plasticizers such as phthalates are included to make the material more flexible. These are highly toxic and considered by many environmentalists to be the most environmentally damaging type of plastic.

Other ecological issues including vegan leather are identified to the disposal of the materials utilized in the production of the leather. Since they are plastic-based, they set aside an extremely long effort to decay. Despite the fact that there are techniques to separate the materials, they wind up delivering exceptionally harmful particles, including phthalates. These can affect the health of animals and the environment. Quick fact: the fashion industry is the fifth most polluting industry on the planet, equal to livestock.

Eco- and animal-friendly leather

While most vegan leather is made from PVC and polyurethane materials, there are other options if you look tough enough. Some companies pride themselves on creating truly vegan leather, which means leather that is both eco-friendly and cruel. These products are usually made from materials such as cork, waxed cotton, or pineapple leaves. However, cork skin is the most common. Here is a list of cruel and eco-friendly vegan leathers.

PAPER

·         Now you read that Paper, however, is not like the loose-leaf paper you use at school. It’s like the paper that is often found in cardboard boxes used for packaging, but which is obviously a very different process. Washi, for example, is a type of paper leather made from the bark of the fast-growing and durable Kojo tree (a Japanese relative of the mulberry tree). Once done it is cut and the edges are raw. After all, it is woven into what you are buying, be it a handbag or wallet or whatever. It can come in the natural brown color or in black, as well as other colors.

CORK LEATHER

 

Used cork. Image by Pixabay.

• ·         Cork is a great eco-friendly alternative to leather. Made from the bark of cork trees, which grows back over time, this sustainable material makes use of a renewable resource to make stylish vegan bags, wallets, and even shoes.

• Many people are familiar with the use of cork in fashion. One-of-a-kind shoes, especially with cork wedges. In fact, cork is now considered one of the most environmentally friendly materials. It is easily recyclable and completely natural and its use helps prevent desertification and deforestation. Because of its waterproof properties and organic texture, many large fashion companies have been making extensive use of cork for some time. But some people just don’t like the look of the cork, it’s probably its biggest disadvantage.

·           RECYCLED RUBBER

   It already has a leathery texture, which makes it appealing, and it is also durable. Rubber is mainly used for making bags and backpacks.

WAXED COTTON

• Here we are talking about organic waxed cotton. It has been around for years as a leather alternative to jeans and bags from companies like Mark Jacobs and others. It is flexible, waterproof, and easily washable.

    COOL STONE “LEATHER'

• This is a fairly new kind of faux leather made from sewable slate stone. It has a grey matte finish that has the look and feel of paper combined with stone. It really has a cool old and battered look to it. And it actually ages like leather. Only it gets little scratches instead of pores, which also ends up softening the material a bit as well.

• TREE BARK LEATHER

• Made from durable wood, this vegan leather is durable and strong and each piece is unique. This is because of the variety of natural grains in the product. Tree bark leather can be made to replicate any type of leather, from jackets and pants to bags and purses. It is made from fast-growing, renewable wood and is also treated with non-toxic chemicals to make it durable and flexible.

 APPLE FIBERS

You realize those apple centers, orange and banana strip you generally discard? Well now, you can utilize them to convey all of the things you require. Next time you consider discarding your apple center, reuse it. Could be your next most loved purse.

PINATEX

• For those of you who love pineapple on pizza (yes, it is awesome!) this might be your next-favorite thing. Pinatex is a material made from the wasted part of the pineapple bush. It feels like cowhide leather and is watertight and durable. It is great for shoes, bags and a lot more. Also, who else had no idea pineapples grew on bushes?!

•  RECYCLED TYRES

• This is very similar to recycled rubber, only it has fewer applications because of the style of the original product. Like recycled rubber, recycled tires have an incredible leathery feel and look. They are often used to make belts, guitar straps, earrings, and a bunch more.

• MUSHKIN

•      Here's a new one for you. Mushroom leather. Now you can hallucinate to look amazing. It’s a joke, but it’s great. In fact, you can enhance this leather in any shape or size you need. Its only drawback is that it must be waterproof. It is also 100% biodegradable, which makes it incredibly environmentally friendly.

•  THE HANA PLANT (AGAVE)

• • If you have ever seen an actual agave plant, you know the leaves are big and thick. Many artisans have begun using fine fibers from these leaves to weave into accessories that are usually made of real leather. Turns out that agave has other uses besides Tequila.

•   The final verdict on vegan leather

• With regards to leather, numerous end up paying a small fortune for products that require a great deal of care. If they get any damage, you have to seek out a professional who will charge you almost half of what you paid for it. If you are looking for an alternative to real leather, vegan leather might just be the answer. Truly, it comes down to where your needs lie: avoiding animal cruelty or preserving the environment. If the answer is both, search out the many eco-friendly vegan types of leather that are out there. The only problem is that many of those eco-friendly products will cost you about as much as real leather.

  Whatever you choose, vegan leather is a great leather substitute that involves no animal cruelty whatsoever.

• AUTHOR -M. ZAMAN(RASEL).