LEATHER OR FAUX LEATHER?

Why Real Leather Is More Sustainable Than Faux Leather or Vinyl?
In the ongoing conversation about sustainability, leather often finds itself at the center of debate. While synthetics like faux leather or vinyl are marketed as ethical the truth is more complex. Real leather when responsibly sourced and cared for can actually be the more sustainable choice.
Let’s break down why.

1. Durability = Less Waste
One of the arguments in favour of real leather is its longevity. Leather can last decades, even a lifetime if maintained properly. Faux leather, made from plastic-based materials like PVC or PU, tends to crack, peel, & degrade much faster. This means more frequent replacements, more consumer waste, & more landfill overflow.

2. Natural leather vs. Vinyl
Real leather is a biodegradable natural material (as long as it’s not overly coated with synthetic finishes). It originates from animal hides—a by-product of the meat industry—meaning it's repurposing what would otherwise be waste.

Faux leather, is essentially plastic. PVC is particularly toxic to produce & doesn’t break down easily in the environment. It can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing microplastics and harmful chemicals.

3. Repairability & Patina
Leather is not only long-lasting—it ages well. It develops a unique patina, becomes more beautiful with time, and can be restored with dyes & specific care products. Faux leather doesn’t wear in the same way, it cracks or flakes, it’s often irreparable and must be thrown out.
Investing in something that gets better with age is more sustainable than buying cheap, fast-degrading alternatives.

4. Fewer Microplastics
Each time a synthetic material breaks down it releases microplastics into the environment. These particles pollute waterways, enter the food chain, and can have damaging effects on marine and human health.
Natural leather doesn’t do this. Over time, it returns to the earth without leaving synthetic traces behind.

5. Responsibly Tanned Leather Is Changing the Game
Today, many tanneries use vegetable tanning, closed-loop water systems, and certified eco-friendly practices.
Look for leather certified by organizations like:
Leather Working Group (LWG)
OEKO-TEX Leather Standard
REACH Compliant

Conclusion: Leather Isn’t the Enemy—Plastic Is
Faux leather may seem like the ethical shortcut, it often trades short-term ethics for long-term environmental cost. If sourced responsibly and used mindfully, real leather offers a lower-impact, longer-lasting alternative to the petroleum-based materials.

Sustainability isn’t just about what something is made of—it’s about how long it lasts, how it’s produced, and where it ends up. When you choose real leather and care for it properly, you’re investing in a material that can age beautifully and avoid the plastic pollution problem altogether.

Want to make the most of your leather? Get in touch at contact@buffaloleather.co.uk
for advice, assessments and products to sustain your leather.

Why Real Leather Is More Sustainable Than Faux Leather or Vinyl In the ongoing conversation about sustainability, leather often finds itself at the center of debate. While synthetics like faux leather or vinyl are marketed as ethical the truth is more complex. Real leather when responsibly sourced and cared for can actually be the more sustainable choice. Let’s break down why. 1. Durability = Less Waste One of the arguments in favour of real leather is its longevity. Leather can last decades, even a lifetime if maintained properly. Faux leather, made from plastic-based materials like PVC or PU, tends to crack, peel, & degrade much faster. This means more frequent replacements, more consumer waste, & more landfill overflow. 2. Natural leather vs. Vinyl Real leather is a biodegradable natural material (as long as it’s not overly coated with synthetic finishes). It originates from animal hides—a by-product of the meat industry—meaning it's repurposing what would otherwise be waste. Faux leather, is essentially plastic. PVC is particularly toxic to produce & doesn’t break down easily in the environment. It can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing microplastics and harmful chemicals. 3. Repairability & Patina Leather is not only long-lasting—it ages well. It develops a unique patina, becomes more beautiful with time, and can be restored with dyes & specific care products. Faux leather doesn’t wear in the same way, it cracks or flakes, it’s often irreparable and must be thrown out. Investing in something that gets better with age is more sustainable than buying cheap, fast-degrading alternatives. 4. Fewer Microplastics Each time a synthetic material breaks down it releases microplastics into the environment. These particles pollute waterways, enter the food chain, and can have damaging effects on marine and human health. Natural leather doesn’t do this. Over time, it returns to the earth without leaving synthetic traces behind. 5. Responsibly Tanned Leather Is Changing the Game Today, many tanneries use vegetable tanning, closed-loop water systems, and certified eco-friendly practices. Look for leather certified by organizations like: Leather Working Group (LWG) OEKO-TEX Leather Standard REACH Compliant Conclusion: Leather Isn’t the Enemy—Plastic Is Faux leather may seem like the ethical shortcut, it often trades short-term ethics for long-term environmental cost. If sourced responsibly and used mindfully, real leather offers a lower-impact, longer-lasting alternative to the petroleum-based materials. Sustainability isn’t just about what something is made of—it’s about how long it lasts, how it’s produced, and where it ends up. When you choose real leather and care for it properly, you’re investing in a material that can age beautifully and avoid the plastic pollution problem altogether. Want to make the most of your leather? Get in touch at contact@buffaloleather.co.uk for advice, assessments and products to sustain your leather.