Animal Leather, Vegan Leather, Plant-Based Leather: What You Really Need to Know

Between ethical concerns, eco-marketing, and conflicting claims, the word “leather” has become confusing for many buyers. Not all leather is created equal — and not all so-called “eco” options are as green as they seem.

In this article, we break down the differences between animal leather, vegan leather, and plant-based leather, to help you make an informed, responsible choice.

Animal Leather: Traditional, Durable… and Controversial

Animal leather is the traditional material used for centuries in bags, shoes, clothing, and furniture. It typically comes from:

• cows (most common)

• calves (softer, finer grain)

• goats, sheep, buffalo

• and sometimes pigs, deer, or fish (less common)

Most of this leather is a by-product of the meat industry. It’s treated (tanned) to become resistant, flexible, and long-lasting.

Pros:

• strong, breathable, and highly durable

• develops a natural patina over time

• repairable and designed to last

Cons:

• animal origin can be an issue for some

• environmental impact tied to livestock farming

• pollution risk if chrome tanning is poorly managed

Vegan Leather: Better for animals, not always for the planet

“Vegan leather” has no official or legal definition. In most cases, it refers to a leather alternative that contains no animal material — but don’t be fooled: it’s usually plastic.

The most common form? Polyurethane leather (PU), a synthetic material derived from petroleum.

PU leather visually mimics animal leather, but contains no natural fibers.

Pros:

• no animal products

• cheaper to produce

• easy to dye and manipulate

Cons:

• made of plastic, non-biodegradable

• petroleum-based: high environmental cost

• shorter lifespan (can crack or peel over time)

Despite its name, vegan leather is often seen as eco-friendly, but it’s actually an industrial material made from fossil fuels.

Plant-Based Leather: A Greener Alternative?

Let’s be clear: plant-based leather is not the same as vegetable-tanned leather (which is still animal leather).
Plant-based leather is made entirely or partially from plants.

Some examples:

• Pineapple leather (Piñatex) – made from pineapple leaf fibers

• Apple leather – made from apple processing waste

• Grape, cactus, or mushroom-based leather (mycelium)

Most of these materials are hybrid compositions, combining natural plant fibers with synthetic binders (like PU or latex).

Pros:

• renewable sources, often from agricultural waste

• strong ethical and eco-conscious branding

• exciting innovation potential

Cons:

• often mixed with plastics for strength

• still less durable than quality animal leather

• expensive and not yet widely available

Bottom Line: What Should You Choose?

• Vegan leather is often marketed as ethical and eco-friendly — but in reality, it’s usually plastic made from oil.

• Animal leather, while controversial for ethical reasons, can be a sustainable option when responsibly sourced and tanned.

• Plant-based leather is promising, but many materials are still in development or require synthetic binders to work.

At APECS, we’ve chosen to work with high-quality animal leather that’s responsibly tanned, made to last, and designed to age beautifully — like the one featured in our connected leather laptop bag.