I’ve been a vegetarian for 20 years, and I steer clear of leather as a result. Admittedly, it has been a challenge at times, but in the last few years, finding a decent meal and durable faux leather has become increasingly easier. Imitation leather is sometimes thought of as an inferior fabric, but the materials used to make imitation leather fabric are widely available. It is usually made from a high-quality, vinyl-based or plastic material. It can be used in all of the ways that leather is used while being more affordable and cruelty-free.
In particular, polyurethane, a polymer which combines the strength of rigid plastics and the elasticity of rubber, creates a perfect leather look and feel without the price or animal byproducts that come with genuine leather.
The benefits are numerous. For example, polyurethane “leather” requires less maintenance than real leather because it is stain and fade-resistant and maintains a consistent color even in the worst weather conditions. Furthermore, it can be cleaned with a towel and warm water if it gets dirty. Unlike genuine leather, the synthetic version does not retain moisture, so it does not warp or crack.
So, whether you are looking for leather seat covers, a comfortable pair of hiking boots, or inexpensive upholstery for your car or your home-decorating project, artificial leather is your affordable and low-maintenance alternative to genuine leather.