Is Vegan Leather Really Sustainable? Pros, Cons & Our Approach

As the demand for ethical and eco-conscious fashion continues to grow, so too does the conversation around materials—particularly leather. One material that frequently comes up is vegan leather. At first glance, it seems like the perfect solution: no animals harmed, no ethical compromise. But as with most things in sustainability, the reality is more nuanced.

At Even Online, we’ve studied both vegan and genuine leather in depth. And while we understand the appeal of animal-free materials, we believe true sustainability considers the full lifecycle of a product. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of vegan leather, compare it to ethical leather, and share our approach to choosing what’s best—for you and for the planet.

What Is Vegan Leather?

Vegan leather refers to any leather alternative made without animal products. Common types include:

• PU (polyurethane) leather

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

• Plant-based options like cactus, pineapple (Piñatex), apple, mushroom (Mylo), and cork

While these materials mimic the look and feel of leather, their environmental impact varies widely depending on the base material and processing method.

The Pros of Vegan Leather

1. Animal-Free Alternative

Vegan leather avoids animal-derived materials entirely, making it appealing to consumers who prioritize animal welfare. For many, this is reason enough to seek leather alternatives.

2. Growing Innovation

The market for sustainable vegan leather has led to creative breakthroughs. Brands are experimenting with plant-based leathers that are partially biodegradable and involve fewer toxic chemicals than synthetic options.

Materials like mushroom leather (Mylo) and cactus leather are leading the charge in plant innovation, offering promise for a more sustainable future.

3. Lightweight & Versatile

Most vegan leathers are thinner and more flexible than traditional leather, making them easier to work with for certain design applications. They also often come in a wide range of colors and finishes.

The Cons of Vegan Leather

1. Petroleum-Based Composition

Most vegan leathers on the market today—especially affordable ones—are made from plastic derivatives like PU and PVC. These materials are:

• Non-biodegradable

• Made from fossil fuels

• Difficult to recycle

This creates long-term environmental damage, including microplastic pollution when these materials break down.

2. Shorter Lifespan

Vegan leather generally doesn’t age well. It can peel, crack, or warp after a few seasons—especially with daily use. Unlike high-quality leather that develops a patina, vegan leather often degrades visibly and irreparably.

This leads to more frequent replacements, more waste, and higher long-term costs.

3. Questionable Sustainability Claims

Many “eco” vegan leathers still require toxic adhesives and chemical finishes. Some plant-based options are blended with synthetic binders to improve durability, which compromises biodegradability.

Greenwashing is common in this space, with vague or misleading sustainability claims that confuse consumers.

How Ethical Leather Compares

At Even Online, we use ethically sourced calfskin leather—a byproduct of the food industry. This ensures no animals are raised solely for fashion. Here’s how it stacks up:

1. Lower Waste

Using leather from the food chain reduces landfill waste and gives value to what would otherwise be discarded.

2. Long Lifespan

Our leather bags, like the Gaia Mini Bag and Belona Hobo Bag, last for years with proper care. They resist tearing, retain shape, and age with character.

3. Natural Biodegradability

Unlike plastic-based leathers, natural leather (when tanned responsibly) breaks down organically at the end of its life.

4. Responsible Tanning

We work with LWG-certified tanneries in Europe that use water-based dyes and closed-loop systems. This reduces pollution and water waste.

Learn more on our Sustainability Page.

Our Approach at Even Online

We believe sustainability is about long-term thinking, not short-term trends. That’s why we currently choose genuine leather over plastic-based vegan alternatives.

Our approach prioritizes:

• Longevity and durability

• Ethical sourcing and traceability

• Biodegradability

• Artisan craftsmanship

Our Luisa Mini Bag and Valenta Baguette Bag are perfect examples—minimalist, functional, and made to be part of your wardrobe for years, not months.

That said, we’re actively exploring next-generation plant-based materials that meet our standards for performance, sustainability, and ethics. We welcome innovation—but we won’t compromise on quality or transparency.

What to Look For When Choosing Leather Alternatives

If you're considering vegan leather, here’s how to make a more informed, sustainable choice:

• Ask about composition: Is it plastic-based or plant-based?

• Check for third-party certifications: Look for materials verified for environmental safety.

• Read the care and lifespan guidelines: If it degrades quickly, it may not be a sustainable choice.

• Support transparent brands: Companies that disclose their sourcing and production processes are more likely to align with your values.

Vegan Leather vs. Ethical Leather: Summary Table

Feature	Vegan Leather	Ethical Leather (Even Online)
Animal-Free	✅	❌ (food industry byproduct)
Biodegradable	❌ (mostly plastic)	✅
Long-Lasting	❌	✅
Sustainable Tanning	⚠️ (varies)	✅ (LWG-certified)
Ethical Labor	⚠️ (often mass-produced)	✅ (artisan-made in Europe)
Microplastic-Free	❌	✅

 

Final Thoughts: Sustainability Isn’t Always Simple

Choosing between vegan and ethical leather isn’t black and white. The most sustainable choice depends on how the material is sourced, produced, used, and disposed of.

At Even Online, we choose ethical leather not just because it lasts longer, but because it aligns with our vision for meaningful, low-impact fashion. Each bag is crafted with care—from the Rhea Messenger Bag to the Zoe Mini Baguette—to ensure our materials match our mission.

We remain open to innovation and are committed to evolving alongside new technologies. But for now, quality, transparency, and environmental integrity come first.

Want to shop better, not more?

Explore our Accessories Collection  and discover bags that are as sustainable as they are stylish.

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Because real sustainability isn’t about trends—it’s about truth.