The leather industry may not be declining, but it is definitely causing some severe side effects on the environment, including the animals and labors. From the horrific factory farming stories to the increasing health problems of the workers to the excruciatingly high carbon footprint, wearing and carrying leather dresses, shoes, and bags isn’t a matter of pride and sophistication anymore. So, the question for fabric companies in India and abroad is that do you really want to go through so much trouble just for a pair of shoes? If this concerns you, let us tell you that there are plenty of great, plant-based, non-hazardous, and eco-friendly alternatives for leather which you can try.
The Environmental Impact of the Leather Industry
Leather is probably the most ancient fabric used by human beings. And it is a multi-billion global business. However, due to global warming and the increasing demand for sustainable fashion, leather has been constantly on the radar of critics.
Leather is mainly farmed from bovine animals, like Cows, Goats, and Sheep, but also crocs, snakes, kangaroos, deer, fish, ostrich, and alligators.
According to the Textile Exchange Report 2021, 1.4 billion animal skins were used for global leather production, which equals one animal for every five people living on the earth.
Footwear is the leading segment in the leather goods market, holding over 47 percent share.
However, leather is extremely harmful to the environment. The chemicals used for tanning leather are not biodegradable. They contaminate not only the water but also the human beings that come into contact with them. Over 50 million animals are killed to create leather products.
Leather processing requires enormous energy and health-hazardous chemicals, such as mineral salts, dyes, oils, coal-tar derivatives, formaldehyde, and other coatings and finishes.
Animals raised for leather farming require large pastureland, a lot of water, and, of course, energy and food. In the last 50 years, nearly 70% of the Amazon rainforest has been cleared to create pastures without trees and grow crops for these animals.
In addition, leather farming and production also affect the workers, as they are constantly exposed to carcinogens, 50% more than normal humans.
Leather Alternatives that Fabric Manufacturers in India Can Use
So, can leather have an eco-friendly alternative?
Yes.
However, even vegan and vegetarian leather fabric companies in India and abroad can severely impact the planet if they don’t follow eco-friendly means to produce leather alternatives.
But using more sustainable materials is a good foundation upon which fabric companies in India can create their brands.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for cotton buyers or suppliers or a reliable platform to trade cotton fabric online in India, register with DMI Textile Trading Company. You can also create an online profile on TEXchange Global – a fully digital and automated textile trading website for greige cotton suppliers and buyers.
Mylo
Mylo is a mushroom leather made from the root structure of Mushrooms, also known as Mycelium. It contains a water-based PU finish and lyocell to improve the product’s strength and durability. Mylo can create high-quality, durable shoes, handbags, and other fashion accessories.
MuSkin
MuSkin is a vegan alternative to animal leather, harvested from the cap of Phellinus Ellipsoideus mushrooms. MuSkin is manufactured using a natural tanning and dying process without using chemicals. The finished product has a look and feel similar to suede leather.
MuSkin is renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable. The manufacturing process is also less resource-incentive compared to animal leather.
MuSkin can be used to create a variety of products, from fashionable outfits and shoes to durable upholstery and accessories.
Cactus Leather
Cactus leather is a great vegan alternative to regular leather, gaining popularity in recent years. It is produced from the Nopal cactus leaves and is native to Mexico. Since the plant requires less water to grow and farm, it is quite a sustainable solution for many leather manufacturers. It is biodegradable, doesn’t require harmful chemicals to process, and is already a byproduct of an existing industry, such as food and medicine.
Waxed Canvas and Cotton
Waxed cotton or canvas is a cotton fabric with an extra wax coating, such as beeswax, paraffin wax, or vegetable wax, which makes the fabric strong and water resistant, displaying the properties of leather. Waxed cotton is sustainable, can be repaired and rewaxed, and is commonly used for creating classic British outdoor jackets, hats, bags, and trousers.
If you are looking for waxed cotton suppliers, register your business with DMI Trading Experts.
Recycled Rubber
Recycled rubber gives the look and feel of leather sans the animal element. While the material is not biodegradable and takes a long time to break down, it is also durable, easy to maintain, and strong. You can recycle tyers and other rubber products to make faux leather fashion products.
Piñatex
Pinatex is made from the fibre of pineapple leaves, which are typically discarded after the fruits are taken out. It is plant-based, supports local farmers, and is part of an existing industry, meaning it requires less water, place, and energy to produce. Pinatex is not biodegradable but can be made that way under controlled industry conditions. It is used for creating vegan and cruelty-free shoes, bags, clothes, and upholstery.
Coconut
Coconut leather (coconut husk or coconut coir leather) is produced entirely from the wastes of the coconut farming sector. It is made from coconut husks, discarded or burned down once the coconuts are harvested. While the material is treated with natural compounds, like natural latex and vegetable-based binders, it is still as durable as real leather and has a similar look and feel.
Since Coconut leather is produced from wastewater and coconut fibre, you can even use it as compost.
Cork
Cork is a fashion-forward alternative to animal leather, which is sustainable and also renewable. It is farmed from the bark of the cork oak tree, a plant native to the Mediterranean region. The harvesters cautiously strip away the outer bark of the trees without damaging or cutting them, which is then processed to create cork sheets. Cork is lightweight, waterproof, fashionable, and sturdy. It is also completely recyclable.
Cork is used for making coasters, handbags, flooring boards, insulation, and other fashion accessories and home decor.
There is no denying that every fashion-forward fabric manufacturer in India loves classic leather. But this era’s consumers and even textile companies in India are concerned about global warming, the carbon footprints that leather production emits, and non-biodegradable components used in the production.
In addition to environmental and ethical benefits, these leather alternatives are versatile and cost-effective solutions to animal leather.
Fabric companies in India looking for leather alternatives and waxed cotton fabric online in India can contact our trading experts to get the best deal from overseas market leaders.
