Was unterscheidet Echtleder von Kunstleder?
These are the sustainability topics you should be aware of
Sustainability, environmental and animal protection, durability and value – there are many aspects that play a role when deciding between real leather and synthetic leather. The decision is not as easy as one might initially think: Evil plastic or animal-friendly alternative? Valuable natural product or unnecessary animal cruelty? As is often the case in life, there is no black and white when it comes to (synthetic) leather. Both real and synthetic leather have significant advantages and disadvantages. Which ones? We explain the crucial differences here.
HOW IS FAUX LEATHER MADE?
This question is not so easy to answer, because today there is a wide variety of different materials that imitate the look, feel and other positive properties of leather. What they all have in common is that they are based on a fabric layer that is usually covered with a plastic membrane. By artificially producing imitation leather, its properties can be specifically influenced during production and adapted to its later intended use.
In addition to conventional PVC artificial leather, synthetic leather with a plastic coating also includes plant-based imitation leather such as eucalyptus leather, apple leather and Piñatex. In the production of these plant-based artificial leathers, increasing emphasis is being placed on recycling in order to reduce environmental impact. Nevertheless, the use of petroleum in most types of artificial leather is not ecologically harmless and should not be ignored. Inexpensive imitation leather in particular has a high environmental impact. With cheap plastic leather that does not last long, a lot of harmful plastics end up in the trash and, in the worst case, in our oceans.
Other vegetable-based imitation leathers such as cork leather and trama (mushroom leather) do not require a plastic coating and are a notable alternative to natural leather from an ethical and ecological point of view. However, their properties sometimes differ greatly from real leather, which - depending on the intended use - can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
THE BENEFITS OF FAUX LEATHER
Unlike real leather, conventional artificial leather is not subject to the natural texture and size of the leather. Artificial leather is usually produced by the meter and has a uniform substance. The waste that occurs with leather due to natural irregularities in the material is avoided with artificial leather. Not least because of this, products made from leather imitations can often be produced much more cost-effectively. However, very good leather imitations also have their price.
In addition, many types of artificial leather are very easy to care for, dirt and water repellent, and can be easily cleaned, some even in the washing machine.
THE ADVANTAGES OF FAUX LEATHER AT A GLANCE:
- no animal products
- cheaper production
- little waste
- material properties can be significantly influenced
- easy-care, washable
THE DISADVANTAGES OF FAUX LEATHER AT A GLANCE:
- strong environmental impact
- low durability of inexpensive faux leather types
- often stiffer feel
- not a pure natural product
HOW IS REAL LEATHER MADE?
To transform raw animal hide into a durable, imperishable piece of leather, an elaborate, lengthy work process is necessary, which – depending on the type, intended use, and quality of the leather – takes several weeks to months. Tanning is not the only, but certainly the decisive step that gives leather its longevity. The type of tanning determines how harmful the production is to the environment. Today, there are both vegetable and chrome tanning processes with which genuine leather can be produced very environmentally friendly. The leather should definitely be obtained as a by-product of the meat industry. This adds another aspect of sustainability.
Genuine leather is therefore very elaborate to produce, but high-quality leather results in a sustainable natural product with a unique character.
THE BENEFITS OF REAL LEATHER
Genuine leather is inherently more abrasion-resistant, durable, and tear-resistant than synthetic leather. Especially when compared to cheap leather alternatives, high-quality genuine leather is more environmentally friendly in production. Due to its longevity, genuine leather also comes out ahead of synthetic leather. However, proper care is crucial. If this is ensured, a genuine leather product can last for many years and decades and even be passed on to the next generation.
Furthermore, unlike synthetic leather products, every product made from genuine leather is a unique item, as the natural product leather always displays a distinctive grain structure.
The Advantages of Genuine Leather at a Glance
- Natural product
- Environmentally friendly production possible
- By-product of the meat industry (waste utilization)
- Unique item
- Pleasant feel
- Extremely durable with proper care
Disadvantages of Real Leather at a Glance
- animal product
- more expensive, time-consuming production
synthetic leather
genuine leather
HOW CAN YOU TELL REAL LEATHER FROM FAUX LEATHER?
- The smell is no longer a clear sign that it is real leather, as it is sometimes artificially produced even in imitation leather. However, if the "leather" smells like plastic, you can be sure that it is imitation leather.
- Although the look of real leather is now copied quite well in the production of artificial leather, the stylized grain of artificial leather is usually more regular than that of real leather.
- Often you can distinguish artificial leather from real leather by looking at the back, because that is where the textile base material of the artificial leather is often visible.
- High-quality leather products are usually marked with a typical leather symbol. This leather logo is not a protected symbol, which is why each manufacturer uses its own version of the symbol. However, its use is subject to the guarantee that the product is actually a genuine leather product.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer real leather or artificial leather is up to the individual. Basically, you should find out as much information as possible about the origin, production and quality of your (artificial) leather product. There is no difference between artificial leather and real leather, because the production and durability are ALWAYS decisive for the environmental compatibility and quality of the leather. Transparency is required here: manufacturers with qualitative and ethical standards are happy to disclose their production methods. It's worth asking!
