What is Vegan Leather Made from?
Vegan leather can be made from a variety of materials, from plastics like PU, to plant-based materials like cellulose fibre from pineapple leaves. Unlike real leather, vegan leather does not use animal parts, and is completely cruelty free.
More and more people are switching to vegan leather products as an ethical alternative to products classically made from real leather. From vegan shoes, to vegan handbags, most traditional leather products are now available in vegan form.
PU Vegan Leather
When it comes to vegan leather made from plastic, the most common material to be used is polyurethane (PU) which is a type of polymer. PU leather is a common leather alternative as it is easy to make in large quantities.
It is important to note that PU Vegan Leather and PU coated leather are two different things. PU coated leather is real leather with a coating of PU, true vegan leather products will have a tag or a description stating that they are vegan or 100% synthetic.
PU vegan leather is made by coating another fabric, such as cotton, with PU to imitate the look of real leather. This PU coating also makes the fabric water-resistant.
Plant Material Vegan Leather
A large range of plant materials can be used to create vegan leather such as, pineapple leaves, cork, cactus, apple peels, and corn. As more people are looking to make sustainable and ethical fashion choices, it seems that there is a growing market for these plant leathers.
Piñatex® is a leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibre. As pineapple leaves are a waste product of farming, no extra resource is going into the growing of the pineapples. Instead, it provides farmers with one extra source of income from their produce.
Once the fibres have been removed from the pineapple leaves, they are made into a non-woven mesh, which is then finished with pigments and a resin coating. This coating makes the vegan leather strong, durable and water-resistant. For those trying to minimise their plastic consumption, plant leathers such as this one are a great substitute for the real thing!
Introducing Butterfly Twists Vegan Leather Shoes
Here at Butterfly Twists we believe in using innovative materials that don’t impact the planet, that’s why 70% of our range is made from vegan leather. We aim to provide the balance between comfort and style, we want you to look good and feel good! If you’re looking for cruelty-free and comfortable footwear then Butterfly Twists is the place for you!
With a wide range of vegan ballet flats, loafers and heels there really is a product for everyone!
