Natural/Agro-derived Versus Artificial Vegan Leather: How Leather Alternatives Influence the Sustainable Luxury and Fashion Industry

Synthetic plastic-based PU and PVC leather have existed within the luxury and fashion industry for a long time. But new innovations of vegan leather alternatives, like plant-based and bio-based options, are gaining traction from companies and consumers. Challenges pertaining to the luxury and fashion industry are discussed in this chapter, catering to the organoleptic properties, mechanical strength, luxury attributes, etc. The need for sustainability from the materials perspective is also discussed for brands, and distinctive examples are elaborated from the natural/agro-derived and artificial vegan leather.