Is vegan leather just plastic?

The vast majority of vegan leather is indeed plastic. Most vegan leather products are made from polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both petroleum-derived plastics. PVC is particularly concerning due to the phthalates used as plasticizers and the dioxins released during its production. PU leather is somewhat less toxic but still a plastic that does not biodegrade and sheds microplastic particles as it wears.

The marketing term vegan leather reframes what was previously called faux leather or pleather, giving it an ethical veneer that obscures its environmental impact. Plastic-based vegan leather degrades and cracks much faster than real leather, typically lasting 2 to 5 years compared to decades for well-maintained genuine leather, resulting in more frequent replacement and more waste.

There are emerging plant-based alternatives made from pineapple leaf (Pinatex), mushroom mycelium, grape waste, and cactus that offer genuinely sustainable options. However, these often still include a percentage of plastic backing for durability. When evaluating vegan leather, look beyond the marketing to understand the actual materials used. ONDU encourages transparency over buzzwords in all material choices.