2023 was a year of great change for the fashion industry, with the rise of fast fashion and the subsequent backlash against it. The backlash was fueled by the environmental and social impacts of the fast fashion industry, including pollution, waste, and exploitation of workers.

The Rise of Sustainability in Fashion

A Shift in Consumer Values

In 2023, the fashion industry faced a significant backlash against its practices, leading to a shift in consumer values. Consumers began to prioritize sustainability over fast fashion, recognizing the environmental and social impacts of the industry.

Synthetic materials like polyurethane leather are not sustainable or biodegradable, posing significant environmental concerns.

Most mainstream vegan leathers are made from polyurethane leather (PU leather) This is not sustainable or even biodegradable.

The Dark Side of Vegan Leather

A Brief History of Vegan Leather

Vegan leather has been around for decades, but its popularity has grown significantly in recent years. The first vegan leather was created in the 1960s by a company called Pelle, which used a combination of polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to create a synthetic material that mimicked the look and feel of real leather.

The Problem with Polyurethane Leather

Most mainstream vegan leathers are made from polyurethane leather (PU leather), which is not sustainable or even biodegradable. This is because PU leather is made from a combination of petroleum-based materials, such as polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are non-renewable and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The production of PU leather requires large amounts of energy and resources, including fossil fuels, water, and chemicals. The disposal of PU leather at the end of its life cycle is a significant environmental concern, as it can take hundreds of years to decompose.

The Problem of Dioxin

Dioxin is a toxic byproduct of the production of PVC, which is used in a wide range of applications, including pipes, vinyl records, and clothing. It is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) that can accumulate in the environment and contaminate soil, water, and air. Dioxin has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological damage. The production of PVC is a significant source of dioxin emissions, with estimates suggesting that up to 90% of the world’s dioxin emissions come from PVC manufacturing. Dioxin can also be released into the environment through the burning of PVC waste, such as old pipes and vinyl records.*

Alternatives to PVC

Companies are now exploring plant-based alternatives to PVC, which could potentially reduce the production of dioxin. Some of these alternatives include:

The Future of PVC

While plant-based alternatives show promise, it’s unclear whether they will become widely adopted.