Leather Without Guilt: The Rise of Sustainable Alternatives
April 19, 2022
We totally get the reduce, re-use, recycle thing, and we are all for it, but there are occasions when only new will do. If you worry about the environment, you’ll be pleased to know there are ways to buy new, which don't have the same negative impact on the earth.
Leather is an ever-present material in interior design - used for furniture, upholstery, as well as wall coverings, because it is durable, easy to clean and hypoallergenic.
If you want to incorporate the leather look in your home, but are conscious of the harmful impacts of the industry, then you are probably already aware of the vegan leathers on the market, made from polyurethane. But now, gaining popularity (for a very good reason) are a range of emerging leather alternatives, which are not only cruelty-free, but actually sustainable - here are some we are excited to see more of:
Mushroom leather
Mycelium, also known as Mushroom leather, is not a new product, but it's beginning to make its way into the mainstream, with brands like Adidas, Stella McCartney, and lululemon all working with Mylo, an innovation by Bolt Threads, on collaborations.
This California-based company replicated a natural process that happens underground, in their own controlled indoor environment, to produce the ‘leather’. The end product is then processed and dyed to create this sustainable alternative from the fungi kingdom. Their farming facility is powered by 100% renewable energy, and all unused elements of the harvest are simply composted.
The product is already taking the fashion world by storm, so we don't expect it will be long before we see it cropping up in interior application too.
Piñatex
This leather alternative, as its name suggests, is made from pineapple leaf fibers - a by-product of food consumption which was previously discarded as waste. So, not only is this a natural and sustainable material, it has created another stream of income for farming communities while reducing food waste. This is fast becoming a popular choice for both fashion and furniture, with many examples of its use already on the market, such as rugs, wall coverings, and chair upholstery.
Lino Leather by Don Kwaning
Recent graduate, Don Kwaning has taken linoleum to the next level, in a bid to break it free from the flooring-only-box. This adaption contains many of the same ingredients as traditional lino, but with the addition of some natural materials including wood fibres, and lignin (we had to google it too) to add texture, and natural colouring. The end product has been compared to saddle leather, and is suitable for use in furniture applications.
Recycled leather
Although not a vegan option, this leather product is made using leather cutoffs - material that would ordinarily go to waste. There are now lots of manufacturers who are taking steps to reduce their waste, by shredding these cut-offs and mixing with a binding agent to get more out of their product, while also reducing the impact of leather production.
There are companies already on the market giving leather a second life, like this recycled leather sofa from Urban Outfitters:
Other ways to shop more sustainably
Buy local: Purchasing products that are made locally, (or at least in the country you live), reduce harmful emissions to get the product to you.
Buy second hand: Furniture that has lived a whole other life is not only a great way to bring character into your home, but reduce waste, and the production impact of new pieces.
Not all sustainable products are created equal: do your research, look for official ratings on products instead of taking phrases like ‘reduced waste’, and ‘eco friendly’ as gospel.
We hope you have found this as interesting as we did.
Which leather alternative are you most excited to see in the mainstream?
Sources:
https://www.dezeen.com/2020/10/16/leather-alternatives-vegan-materials-design/