What Is Vegan Leather Made Of? A Complete Guide to Vegan Leather

By Yaron Hadad
3 min read
What Is Vegan Leather Made Of? A Complete Guide to Vegan Leather

Vegan leather is one of the fastest-growing materials in fashion, footwear, upholstery, and accessories - but what exactly is vegan leather made of? If you’ve ever wondered whether vegan leather is plastic, plant-based, or something else entirely, this guide breaks it all down.

We’ll explore the most common vegan leather materials, how they’re made, and how to choose the best vegan leather for your needs.

What Is Vegan Leather?

Vegan leather is a material designed to look and feel like animal leather - without using animal hides. Unlike traditional leather, vegan leather is cruelty-free and avoids the ethical concerns related to animal agriculture.

Today, vegan leather can be made from both synthetic and plant-based materials, each with different environmental and performance characteristics.

What Is Vegan Leather Made Of?

1. Synthetic Vegan Leather (PU & PVC)

Historically, most vegan leather was made from synthetic materials.

Polyurethane (PU) Leather

PU leather is the most common form of vegan leather on the market today.

  • Made by coating a fabric backing (often polyester or cotton) with polyurethane
  • Softer and more flexible than PVC
  • More breathable and lightweight
  • Common in jackets, shoes, bags, and furniture

Most modern vegan leather products use PU instead of PVC.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Leather

PVC leather, sometimes called “faux leather,” is an older material.

  • Made from plastic polymers
  • Less flexible and breathable
  • Can crack over time
  • Higher environmental impact than PU

PVC is being phased out by many brands due to sustainability concerns.

2. Plant-Based Vegan Leather

A newer generation of vegan leather is made partially or entirely from plants. These materials aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while remaining animal-free.

Pineapple Leather (Piñatex)

  • Made from pineapple leaf fibers (a byproduct of farming)
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Often blended with PU for durability

Used in: shoes, bags, and accessories.

Mushroom Leather (Mycelium Leather)

  • Grown from mushroom roots (mycelium)
  • Soft, leather-like texture
  • Can be compostable depending on finishing

Used in: luxury fashion, wallets, footwear.

Apple Leather

  • Made from apple waste from the juice industry
  • Mixed with polymers to increase strength
  • Smooth, durable finish

Used in: bags, phone cases, shoes.

Cork Leather

  • Harvested from cork oak trees without cutting them down
  • Highly renewable and lightweight
  • Naturally water-resistant

Used in: handbags, wallets, and accessories.

3. Bio-Based & Hybrid Vegan Leather

Some vegan leather materials combine plant sources with bio-based or recycled polymers.

Examples include:

  • Cactus leather
  • Grape leather (from wine waste)
  • Corn-based bio-polyurethane

These hybrids improve durability while lowering environmental impact compared to fully synthetic vegan leather.

Is Vegan Leather Plastic?

The answer: sometimes.

  • PU and PVC vegan leather are plastic-based
  • Plant-based vegan leathers reduce plastic but may still use small amounts of polymers
  • Fully plastic-free vegan leather exists but is less common and often more expensive

When shopping, look for:

  • “Plant-based,” “bio-based,” or “low-PU content”
  • Transparent material disclosures from brands

Is Vegan Leather Better for the Environment?

Vegan leather avoids the environmental issues tied to animal leather, including:

  • Livestock emissions
  • Toxic tanning chemicals
  • High water use

However, sustainability depends on what the vegan leather is made of.

Material Type

Environmental Impact

PVC

High

PU

Moderate

Plant-based

Lower

Bio-based hybrids

Lower to moderate

The best vegan leather combines durability, low plastic content, and renewable resources.

How Long Does Vegan Leather Last?

High-quality vegan leather can last for many years with proper care. Factors that affect durability include:

  • Type of base material
  • Thickness of coating
  • How it’s used (shoes vs bags vs furniture)

PU and plant-based vegan leather generally outperform PVC in longevity and flexibility.

How to Choose the Best Vegan Leather

When buying vegan leather products, consider:

  • Material sourcing (plant-based or recycled)
  • Durability for your use case
  • Breathability and flexibility
  • Brand transparency
  • End-of-life options (recyclable or biodegradable)

Reading labels matters - “vegan leather” is a broad term.

The Future of Vegan Leather

Innovation in vegan leather is accelerating. Brands and material startups are investing in:

  • Fully biodegradable vegan leather
  • Lab-grown mycelium alternatives
  • Plastic-free coatings

As technology improves, vegan leather is becoming more sustainable, durable, and accessible than ever before.

Final Thoughts

So - what is vegan leather made of?

Vegan leather can be made from:

  • Plastic-based materials like PU and PVC
  • Plant sources like pineapple, mushrooms, apples, cactus, and cork
  • Hybrid mixtures that balance performance and sustainability

Not all vegan leather is created equal, but all vegan leather avoids direct animal harm. By understanding the materials, you can make more informed, ethical, and sustainable choices.

If you’re looking for verified vegan leather products made by ethical brands, exploring transparent marketplaces and certifications is a great next step.