In today’s world, where sustainability and ethical choices are increasingly valued, “vegan leather” has become a buzzword, particularly in car interiors. While it sounds like a win-win for animal welfare and the environment, a closer look reveals a surprising story. Here’s the full story.
The Terminological Problem
The term “vegan leather” itself sparks curiosity, merging “vegan,” a philosophy that steers clear of animal products, with “leather,” historically synonymous with animal hides. This clash isn’t just a matter of words; it highlights a deeper conceptual contradiction. After all, traditional leather is derived from animal skin and meticulously treated to prevent decay. So, how can something truly be both vegan and leather-like?
The History of Vegan Leather
A historical perspective reveals that the concept of vegan leather, previously known as vinyl and leatherette, is not a recent innovation.
Despite its cruelty-free nature, being vegan-friendly does not equate to ecological sustainability, especially when the raw materials predominantly derive from traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Exploring Automotive Alternatives
Surveying various vegan blogs reveals that reputable automotive brands offer alternatives like SofTex, Sensatec, and MB-Tex coverings. These alternatives, well-received by vegans, prompt a closer examination of claims regarding reduced pollutants and highlight the shifting environmental considerations within the automotive industry.
Biodegradability Challenges
While vinyl and thermoplastic polyurethane are praised for their durability and resemblance to leather, only a small portion of specially-made thermoplastic polyurethane is biodegradable.
The revelation unravels the complexities surrounding materials like PVC, often labeled as biodegradable, and the environmental challenges posed by their degradation in landfills.
Comparing Vegan Leather to Genuine Leather
Let’s take a look at a comparative analysis of the environmental impact of both vegan leather and genuine leather.
Genuine leather, despite being a byproduct of the meat industry, is not exempt from environmental concerns due to chemical treatments.
The Production Process
The tanning process, while giving the leather its signature smell, involves harsh chemicals that pollute the air and water, often in developing countries. Take Kanpur, India, a city of 2.5 million people and over 300 tanneries.
These tanneries use vast quantities of water and chromium, a heavy metal, to treat leather, most of which ends up in our cars, thanks to exports to the US and UK. This traditional process also makes leather slow to decompose, adding to the environmental burden.
The Glimmer of Hope
However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Manufacturers like BMW are exploring eco-friendly alternatives, such as using olive leaf extracts for tanning in the BMW iX.
Luxury brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce are taking a different approach, focusing on ethical sourcing. They prioritize hides from bulls raised in pristine environments, like those in northern Europe, ensuring they’re free from blemishes and haven’t been exposed to harmful chemicals.
Reducing the Impact
These brands hold their suppliers to the highest standards, tracing the hide’s journey from the farm to the finished product. Plus, this process ensures no harsh chemicals touch the leather and that water resources are used responsibly. To become a supplier, companies must comply with strict environmental and ethical guidelines, minimizing waste and harm.
The Upcycling Advantage of Leather
While it is true cows are primarily raised for meat, their hides offer a unique opportunity: upcycling.
Bones become bone meal, blood and guts find their way into pet food, and even hooves get repurposed as fertilizer. Leather simply adds another layer to this circle of responsible resource utilization.
Seeking Genuine Sustainability
Finally, it’s important to note that concept cars and certain luxury brands are exploring materials with higher percentages of recyclable and bio-based components. However, it’s also vital to acknowledge the ongoing challenges in creating entirely recycled interiors.
Share Your Thoughts
So what do you think? How can the automotive industry truly embrace sustainability, moving beyond rebranding and marketing existing materials as environmentally friendly?
