Was unterscheidet Echtleder von Kunstleder?
You should pay attention to these sustainable topics
Sustainability, environmental and animal protection, durability and value - there are many aspects that play a role in the decision between real leather and imitation leather. The decision is not as easy as you might think at first: evil plastic or animal-friendly alternative? Valuable natural product or unnecessary animal cruelty? As is so often the case in life, there is no black or white when it comes to (artificial) leather. Both real and artificial leather have significant advantages and disadvantages. Which ones? We explain the key differences here.
HOW IS ARTIFICIAL LEATHER MADE?
This question is not so easy to answer, because today there is a wide variety of different materials that imitate the look, feel and other positive properties of leather. What they all have in common is that they are based on a fabric layer that is usually covered with a plastic membrane. By artificially producing imitation leather, its properties can be specifically influenced during production and adapted to its later intended use.
In addition to conventional PVC artificial leather, synthetic leather with a plastic coating also includes plant-based imitation leather such as eucalyptus leather, apple leather and Piñatex. In the production of these plant-based artificial leathers, increasing emphasis is being placed on recycling in order to reduce environmental impact. Nevertheless, the use of petroleum in most types of artificial leather is not ecologically harmless and should not be ignored. Inexpensive imitation leather in particular has a high environmental impact. With cheap plastic leather that does not last long, a lot of harmful plastics end up in the garbage and, in the worst case, in our oceans.
Other vegetable-based imitation leathers such as cork leather and trama (mushroom leather) do not require a plastic coating and are a notable alternative to natural leather from an ethical and ecological point of view. However, their properties sometimes differ greatly from real leather, which - depending on the intended use - can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
THE ADVANTAGES OF SYNTHETIC LEATHER
In contrast to real leather, with conventional artificial leather you are not bound to the natural texture and size of the leather. Artificial leather is usually produced by the meter and has a uniform substance. The waste that occurs with leather due to natural irregularities in the material is avoided with artificial leather. This is one of the reasons why products made from imitation leather can often be produced much more cost-effectively. However, very good imitation leather also has its price.
In addition, many types of artificial leather are very easy to care for, dirt and water repellent and can be easily cleaned, sometimes even in the washing machine.
THE ADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL LEATHER AT A GLANCE:
- no animal product
- cheaper production
- little waste
- high degree of influence on the individual properties of the material
- easy-care, washable
THE DISADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL LEATHER AT A GLANCE:
- severe environmental pollution
- low durability of cheaper types of artificial leather
- often stiffer feel
- not a purely natural product
HOW IS GENUINE LEATHER MADE?
In order to transform the raw animal hide into a durable, non-perishable piece of leather, a complex, lengthy work process is necessary which - depending on the type, intended use and quality of the leather - takes several weeks to months. Tanning is not the only step, but it is the crucial step that gives the leather its longevity. The type of tanning determines how harmful the production is for the environment. Today, there are both vegetable and chrome tanning processes with which real leather can be produced in a very environmentally friendly way. The leather should definitely be obtained as a by-product of the meat industry. This adds another aspect of sustainability.
Real leather is therefore very complex to produce, but high-quality leather produces a sustainable natural product with a unique character.
THE ADVANTAGES OF GENUINE LEATHER
Real leather is naturally more abrasion-resistant, durable and tear-resistant than artificial leather. High-quality real leather is more environmentally friendly to produce, especially compared to cheaper leather alternatives. Real leather is also more durable than artificial leather. However, proper care is important. If this is ensured, a real leather product can last for many years and decades and can even be passed on to the next generation.
In addition, every product made of genuine leather is, in contrast to artificial leather products, a unique piece, as the natural product leather always shows a unique grain structure.
The advantages of genuine leather at a glance
- natural product
- environmentally friendly production possible
- byproduct of the meat industry (waste recycling)
- unique piece
- pleasant feel
- extremely durable with appropriate care
The disadvantages of genuine leather at a glance
- animal product
- more expensive, lengthy production
synthetic leather
genuine leather
HOW TO DISTINGUISH GENUINE LEATHER FROM FAUX LEATHER?
- The smell is no longer a clear sign that it is real leather, as it is sometimes artificially produced even in imitation leather. However, if the "leather" smells like plastic, you can be sure that it is imitation leather.
- Although the look of real leather is now copied quite well in the production of artificial leather, the stylized grain of artificial leather is usually more regular than that of real leather.
- Often you can distinguish artificial leather from real leather by looking at the back, because that is where the textile base material of the artificial leather is often visible.
- High-quality leather products are usually marked with a typical leather symbol. This leather logo is not a protected symbol, which is why each manufacturer uses its own version of the symbol. However, its use is subject to the guarantee that the product is actually a genuine leather product.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer real leather or artificial leather is up to the individual. Basically, you should find out as much information as possible about the origin, production and quality of your (artificial) leather product. There is no difference between artificial leather and real leather, because the production and durability are ALWAYS decisive for the environmental compatibility and quality of the leather. Transparency is required here: manufacturers with qualitative and ethical standards are happy to disclose their production methods. It's worth asking!
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