Faux leather or genuine leather: what to choose?

The choice of a product also involves its materials. In particular when it comes to fashion accessories, it is precisely the material, before any other characteristic, that defines the value of the product itself. In the world of leather goods we are faced with many alternatives: eco -leather, real leather or imitation leather ? Here is a guide to clarify the world of leather and, in particular, of eco-leather.

What is faux leather?

Eco-leather, also defined as ecological leather , vegan-leather, eco-leather, eco-leather, eco-leather is in effect real leather (or leather), therefore a material of 100% animal origin. The fundamental difference is linked to the more environmentally friendly processing methods, as established by the UNI 11427: 2011 standard which indicates the minimum product requirements, namely:

• compliance with consumer health and safety needs;
• performance of hides and skins in compliance with specific product technical standards for intended use;

and the minimum process requirements:

• compliance with the limits of chemical substances subject to legislative restrictions for use in tanning and imitation leathers;
• compliance with current environmental legislation and any other relevant topic;
• compliance with the limit values of specific predefined environmental indicators (consumption of water, chemicals, waste produced, etc.).

This rule establishes, therefore, that eco-leather is a real leather , but that to be such, the production activities linked to its production must follow a rigorous protocol that respects the environment: the ending “eco” derives from this. These processing methods allow, therefore, to create pieces that respect the artisan tradition , with a nod to modernity and the environment .

The main features of eco-leather

From vegetable tanning , or based on tannins ( polyphenolic elements synthesized in plants and present in the bark, stems, leaves and roots of trees and plants), up to dyeing, passing through disposal, all the production phases of the eco-leather take place with a reduced environmental impact. Eco-leather is therefore the answer to the urgent need to protect the planet and its resources. The production processes are longer because they guarantee very high quality standards : the result is a superior quality product, with a precious workmanship that justifies the high price. Furthermore, the careful and important manufacturing processes give the material a singular appearance: the leather improves with the passage of time , without ever appearing worn and old. Each modification enriches the product, making it unique and rich in history. Eco-leather therefore stands out for its qualities: it is a long-lasting material, recognizable by its softness to the touch and its authentic appearance, thanks to its genuine imperfections, a color characterized by non-uniformity and natural signs.

The differences with real leather

Genuine leather (also called leather or genuine leather) is a material of animal origin, as well as eco-leather, but tanned with chemical substances , used to guarantee its conservation process, avoiding decomposition. Its duration over time is linked to the use of these substances, which however do not give it any variation and uniqueness. Unlike real leather, therefore, eco-leather is a doubly sustainable product. First of all due to the fact that it requires processes that guarantee respect for the environment, and also because for its processing the raw skin of animals reared for food purposes (meat, milk and derivatives) is recovered, thus creating a system of circular economy .

Faux leather or faux leather?

Further confusion is often made when it comes to imitation leather, or synthetic leather , a material of 100% industrial origin. The leatherette is a completely chemical synthesis product, often made with a fabric coated with plastic material and of petroleum origin or polyurethane resin (called synthetic PU leather), capable of giving the “leather” effect: it is therefore a material of low quality and consequently lower cost, so how inferior are its duration and resistance.

How long does the faux leather last?

Faux leather can last forever , as well as real leather: its duration is much higher than imitation leather, so we can say ” for life ” , if well maintained. This confirms its “eco-sustainable” value: long-lasting products that are valid over time, overcoming the concept of “seasonality” and downsizing production processes, allowing for a reduction in the consumption of energy, raw materials and water. On the contrary, the leatherette , although made with the most modern techniques, can last only a few years and is inevitably subject to deterioration : the plastic and synthetic state that covers it on the surface tends to flake, crack and crumble with use and washing. .

JNH eco-friendly eco-leather bags

For JNH it is fundamental and a priority to minimize the environmental impact and defend the transparency of its production, to protect the workers and guarantee the interest of each individual buyer. The JNH collection welcomes an important range of products made of eco-leather, as well as other natural materials (including canvas and cotton). For this reason, JNH eco-leather bags are not only luxurious accessories, but also virtuous ones. Fashion and practicality are enriched with one value: respect and protection of the environment. Not only natural, also unique: “Naturally unique” .