Buckle, an Australian belt-making brand established in 1922, is raising awareness about the environmental impact of synthetic leather alternatives in light of a recent report by the Australia Institute. The report reveals that Australians now lead the world in textile consumption, with each person purchasing an average of 56 clothing items annually.

The report also found that fewer than half (46 per cent) could identify petroleum as the source of polyester, and just 27 per cent were aware that more than half of clothes sold in Australia were made from plastic.

This high consumption rate comes with significant environmental costs, especially given the prevalence of synthetic leather alternatives like Polyurethane (PU), Faux Leather, Pleather, and Vegan Leather.

Melissa Gibson, Director of Buckle, addresses the growing interest in synthetic leather alternatives. "In a world increasingly conscious of ethical choices, these alternatives cater to vegan preferences and offer a cruelty-free option to genuine leather. However, a deeper question arises: Are they truly sustainable?"

While synthetic leathers mimic the appearance and feel of genuine leather without using animal byproducts, they lack the durability and aging characteristics of high-quality leather. "These vegan options have a shorter lifespan compared to genuine leather products," explains Gibson. "Once their lifecycle ends, they pose significant challenges for recycling or repurposing, contributing to environmental concerns."

The Australia Institute's report underscores these concerns, highlighting Australia's consumption patterns and the environmental impact of fast fashion. Australians spend an average of just $13 per clothing item, far less than their counterparts in the UK ($40), US ($24), Japan ($30), and Brazil ($16). The report calls for regulatory measures to curb fast fashion and promote sustainable practices within the industry.

Buckle's Product Manager, Jody Sarkis, emphasizes the importance of informed and responsible choices. "While the market offers a variety of alternatives, Buckle advocates for high-quality, responsibly sourced leather. Sourced as a byproduct of the meat industry, this ensures ethical practices and aligns with Buckle's commitment to responsible leather buying."

“We are proud to say that 100% of the leather we use in our accessories comes from these Leather Working Group accredited tanneries, ensuring that our customers receive products crafted with care and consideration for the planet.”

The Leather Working Group is an internationally recognised multi-stakeholder community and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability within the leather industry.

The Australia Institute's report recommends several measures, including a fast fashion tax, increased supply chain transparency, labeling standards for textiles, subsidies for textile repairs, and a ban on textile waste exports. The institute also commends the upcoming Seamless scheme, which proposes a levy on garments to fund domestic recycling initiatives, though it argues the levy should be significantly higher to effect real change.

Buckle stands by its commitment to combining quality with ethics. By selecting leathers as a byproduct of the meat industry, Buckle upholds transparent and ethical practices in the production of leather accessories. "We believe in the longevity and sustainability of our products," says Sarkis. "High-quality leather accessories, responsibly sourced and crafted, offer a durable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials."

The Australia Institute's research reveals that nearly two-thirds (63%) of Australians are concerned about the environmental impact of textile waste, and a majority believes businesses should be responsible for mitigating this issue. Buckle echoes this sentiment, advocating for responsible consumption and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.