The Undisclosed Water Impact of Vegan Leather Options. Lately, there’s been a surge in interest towards vegan leather products, which are often advertised as more sustainable than traditional leather. While ethical considerations concerning animal welfare remain crucial, it is essential to scrutinize the environmental impact of these alternatives, especially regarding water consumption.
Water, an invaluable resource, plays a crucial part in producing both real and vegan leather. However, the idea that vegan leather is inherently more eco-friendly due to the absence of animal derivatives often overlooks the detailed water footprint stemming from its production.
In the automotive sector, where leather is a commonly used material, water use is a major concern for tanneries. Producing genuine automotive leather requires about 121 liters of water per square meter of finished material. Although this figure might seem high, advances in technology and processes have led to substantial reductions in water use, with more improvements anticipated.
Conversely, vegan leather alternatives typically depend on plastics such as polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) to replicate the feel and look of genuine leather. These plastics originate from oil or natural gas extraction and undergo several manufacturing steps, each contributing to their water footprint.
The water footprint of plastics includes both “blue” water, used directly in production, and “grey” water, needed for pollution mitigation during manufacturing. For example, producing PET, a common component in vegan leather, has a blue water footprint of 10 liters per kg. However, when accounting for the grey water footprint, this total jumps to 235 liters per kg.
This stark contrast underscores the hidden water costs of vegan leather alternatives. While they may appear environmentally friendly at first glance, the reality is far more nuanced. Consumers should consider not only the materials used but also the complete production lifecycle, including water use and pollution control efforts.
The emergence of vegan leather alternatives should be approached with a comprehensive understanding of their environmental repercussions. By factoring in aspects like water use and pollution throughout production, consumers can make more informed decisions that genuinely align with their sustainability objectives.
Whether choosing genuine or vegan leather, the significance of sustainable water sourcing cannot be overstated. Implementing sustainable water management practices, guided by experienced technology partners like MEB, is vital for lessening the environmental impact of leather production.
We offer a range of solutions to aid the overall manufacturing cycle, whether for real or vegan leather, ensuring organizations use water sustainably, which not only reduces costs but also enhances their environmental footprint.
