The world is changing rapidly
The way people think is diversifying, dividing us into groups that have different views on all kinds of subjects. We draw conclusions based on what we see and hear. We don’t always agree with the people around us, probably because our conclusions are based on other facts than our neighbors’.
One of the things people have different views on is whether we should be vegan or vegetarians, or the opposite. Which means that in the true vegan or vegetarian world there is no leather. Therefore, these individuals have to find another option instead of leather.
That’s where pleather comes in. It’s a man-made product put on the market for those that don’t want to use animal products. Here follows my discussion on the difference between leather and pleather.
Pleather facts....
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, pleather is: a plastic fabric made to look like leather.
The plastics used are mainly PVC or polyurethane which is considered one of the most toxic plastics.
Pros and cons of pleather versus leather
I know I’m biased, but the following arguments lean strongly toward choosing leather over pleather.
-First and foremost is the fact that pleather is plastic. It is an oil-based product and the world is trying to do away with plastics for obvious pollution reasons. While pleather (=plastic) is a synthetic material, leather is a natural product.
-Leather is a by-product of the food industry. Animals are not raised specifically for the leather. The hides are tanned and converted into leather which saves them from ending up in landfills.
-Pleather protagonists say pleather is more durable, but leather can be repaired more easily. Pleather will tear, making repairs more obvious.
-The leather tanning industry is constantly improving its’ methods, thus reducing the amount of chemicals used in the tanning process. Emissions produced in plastic production are, and always will be, dangerous both for people and the environment.
-Leather decomposes much more quickly than plastic.
-Leather is breathable, making it more comfortable to wear.
Conclusion
My conclusion is, given these two options, I choose leather any day over pleather.
About Guðrún Borghildur
Gudrun Borghildur designs leather items using upcycled leather jackets which she purchases mainly from the Red Cross in Iceland. She is also fortunate that people donate to her leather clothing that they want to lead a new life instead of being recycled.
