In a world increasingly conscious of ethical choices, Director of Buckle Melissa Gibson sheds light on the surge in interest surrounding alternatives to genuine leather, like Polyurethane, Faux Leather, Pleather, or Vegan Leather.

While these options cater to vegan preferences and offer a cruelty-free alternative to leather, a deeper question arises: Are they truly sustainable?

Sustainability

The appeal of these alternatives lies in their ability to imitate the look and feel of genuine leather without relying on animal byproducts. However, despite their ethical appeal, these alternatives lack the intrinsic durability and aging characteristics found in genuine leather. This raises a critical question regarding the long-term sustainability of products made from Polyurethane or other synthetic materials.

Due to their synthetic composition, these vegan options tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to quality leather products. Furthermore, once their lifecycle comes to an end, they pose challenges in terms of recycling or repurposing, contributing to environmental concerns.

Responsible Leather Sourcing

Jody Sarkis, Buckle's Product Manager emphasises the importance of making 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.

The team at Buckle believes in combining quality with ethics. By carefully selecting leathers as a byproduct of the meat industry, Buckle stands by and upholds transparent and ethical practices in the production of leather accessories.