Faux Leather: Why It's Time to Say No to Synthetic Materials and Choose a Better Alternative

Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather or vegan leather, is a type of material that is designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather, but is made from synthetic materials, such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Faux leather is often used as a cheaper and more durable alternative to real leather in products such as clothing, shoes, furniture, and accessories.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to using faux leather. For one, it is not as durable as real leather, and can crack or peel over time.  Additionally, many types of faux leather are made from PVC, which is a non-renewable and non-biodegradable plastic that can release harmful chemicals into the environment. PVC production also requires the use of toxic chemicals, such as chlorine, which can be harmful to workers and communities.

As an alternative to faux leather, there are several types of recyclable and environmentally friendly materials that can be used to make products that are similar in look and feel to real leather. These materials include coated papers with recycled content, cork, mushroom leather, pineapple leather, and apple leather.

Cork is a natural, sustainable material that is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. It is lightweight, durable, and breathable, and can be easily molded into different shapes and colors. Additionally, cork production is eco-friendly, as it does not require the use of harmful chemicals or the cutting down of trees.

Mushroom leather, also known as mycelium leather, is a biodegradable and sustainable material that is made from the roots of mushrooms. It has a similar look and feel to real leather, and can be easily molded into different shapes and colors. Mushroom leather is also water-resistant and breathable, and can be produced using sustainable and eco-friendly methods.

Pineapple leather, also known as Piñatex, is a natural, biodegradable, and sustainable material that is made from the fibers of pineapple leaves. It is soft, durable, and flexible, and can be easily molded into different shapes and colors. Pineapple leather is also water-resistant and breathable, and can be produced using sustainable and eco-friendly methods.

Apple leather, also known as Frumat, is a natural, biodegradable, and sustainable material that is made from the waste products of the apple juice and cider industry. It is soft, durable, and flexible, and can be easily molded into different shapes and colors. Apple leather is also water-resistant and breathable, and can be produced using sustainable and eco-friendly methods.

Another alternative to faux leather is cactus leather, also known as Desserto. Cactus leather is a natural, biodegradable, and sustainable material that is made from the fibers of cactus plants. It is soft, durable, and flexible, and can be easily molded into different shapes and colors. Cactus leather is also water-resistant and breathable, and can be produced using sustainable and eco-friendly methods.

One of the key advantages of cactus leather is that it is made from cactus plants, which are native to many arid and semi-arid regions of the world. This means that cactus leather can be produced using little to no water, and can help to support local communities and economies. Additionally, cactus plants are renewable and sustainable, and can be grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers.

In terms of composition, cactus leather is made by extracting the fibers from the leaves of the cactus plant, and then processing them using mechanical, chemical, or biological methods. The resulting material is then coated with a protective layer, such as polyurethane, to improve its durability and resistance to water, stains, and UV light.

In terms of cost, cactus leather is generally more expensive than faux leather, but it is also more durable and sustainable. The exact cost will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of cactus plant used, the production methods and materials, and the quality and thickness of the leather. However, many consumers are willing to pay a premium for cactus leather due to its environmental and social benefits, as well as its unique look and feel.

At H&O, we want to change the stationery industry for the better. We carefully select materials for each of our small batch collections. Our vegan leather options range from soft touch materials which include post-consumer waste and can be recycled to textured paper with plastic-free coatings. Our first batch of planner covers, which are handmade in-house, uses cactus leather.  

Happy planning!