Leather vs. Polyester
Naturally occurring resources are finite so should be used wisely. At Gusti, we aim to help protect the environment by supporting sustainable (production) practices.
Leather or polyester: Which fabric should you choose? There are pros and cons for both, but in terms of sustainability, leather is more sustainable. Synthetic materials do not have the same properties as leather, meaning they often don’t last as long.
We’ve got a list of the pros and cons of leather and polyester for you below so that you can choose the best material for you.
Leather: Pros
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Leather is a by-product of the meat industry. If the leftover hides are disposed of in landfills, higher levels of carbon emissions are generated. Using the hides reduces waste that goes to landfill.
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Leather is naturally biodegradable.
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Leather is extremely durable and has a longer lifespan when cared for properly.
Leather: Cons
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Tanning leather uses a lot of water.
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Chrome tanning produces hazardous wastewater and solid waste which pollutes the environment.
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Not all leather is a by-products and sadly some animals are slaughtered for it.
Polyester: Pros
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Polyester contributes less to water scarcity and is less polluting.
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It is durable.
Polyester: Cons
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It is made from petroleum products, so it is not biodegradable.
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Polyester materials contribute to the issue of overproduction and waste in the fashion industry as brands try to stay up to date with trends.
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Polyester cannot be recycled.
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It does not align with slow fashion thinking and is a part of throw-away culture.
Can polyester ever match up to leather?
Polyester can mimic leather’s qualities but it’ll never match up to real leather. Polyester-based materials can take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to breakdown if disposed of in a landfill. Leather is a biodegradable product that doesn’t harm the environment after it has been used.
Now you’ve got an idea of the pros and cons of each material, you’ll be able to choose wisely and contribute to a more eco-friendly world.
