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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.

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.

We’re seeing the trend of restoring vintage and designer footwear increase massively over the past 12 months.
Why are consumers giving their shoes a second chance at life and why restoring footwear is good for the planet?

In a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, there's something refreshingly sustainable about restoring your old trainers or leather shoes. Instead of tossing worn-out kicks into landfill, a little professional care can breathe new life into them — and reduce your environmental impact along the way.

Why It Matters

The global footwear industry produces over 20 billion pairs of shoes each year. Many end up in landfills, where synthetic materials can take hundreds of years to break down. The production of new shoes also consumes vast amounts of water, energy, and raw materials — not to mention the carbon footprint tied to global supply chains.

Restoration Over Replacement

Restoring shoes — whether it’s cleaning, repairing soles, re-dyeing leather, or replacing laces — is a practical way to fight waste. Leather, in particular, is durable and ages beautifully with the right care. Trainers can often be deep-cleaned and refurbished to look almost new. Local cobblers and sneaker cleaning services make it easier than ever to give your shoes a second chance.

Simple Steps to Start

• Clean regularly: Remove dirt and grime to prevent long-term damage.
• Condition leather: Use leather conditioner to keep it supple and crack-free.
• Repair don’t replace: Get heels, soles, and stitching fixed when they show wear.
• Recycle creatively: When shoes can’t be saved, look for recycling programs or upcycling projects.
• By restoring what we already own, we reduce waste, save money, and take a stand against overconsumption — one step at a time.

If you’re a specialist in restoring sneakers, trainers and shoes we supply a huge range of restorative products at trade prices suitable for leather, fabric, suede and canvas.
We’re here to help YOU save the planet!

As you may heard Nuera leather products have closed down and ceased trading.
For those of you who loved their products and ease of application don’t worry we are here to help provide a leather finishing alternative that works just as well.
As we know their products very well we can supply like for like products, so comparing them for you is no problem at all, we have all the information and advice you need.

From pigments to dyes to leather lacquers or finishing waxes to rub off liquids for chesterfield leather we have a huge range of solutions for manufacturing, restoring and repairing your leather.
Our dispatch time is quick too, if you order before midday we will dispatch the same day!

Our trade prices are also competitive email us now for a trade price list, or sign up to access our website and purchase trade products 24hrs a day 7 days a week