"The Environmental Impact of Synthetic Leather: Why We Choose Natural"

Synthetic leather has been touted as a more eco-friendly alternative to natural leather for some time. However, this is not always the case. In fact, synthetic leather can have a significant environmental impact, which is why we choose to use natural, responsibly sourced leather for our luxury handbags.

One of the main issues with synthetic leather is that it is often made from petroleum-based materials. This means that the production of synthetic leather contributes to the use of non-renewable resources, which can have a negative impact on the environment. The production process for synthetic leather often involves the use of toxic chemicals, which can pollute the air, water, and soil.

In contrast, natural leather is a renewable resource that is biodegradable, meaning that it has a much lower environmental impact than synthetic materials. At Taylor Yates,, we use beautifully soft, responsibly sourced leather that is handcrafted in the UK. We believe that using British leather not only supports local craftsmanship but also reduces the carbon footprint of our products by minimising transportation emissions.

Natural leather has a durability that synthetic materials cannot match. A well-made leather handbag can last for years, even decades, with proper care. This means that our handbags are not only a stylish luxury accessory but also a sustainable investment in a timeless piece that will withstand the test of time.

We understand that there is a growing interest in vegan and synthetic leather alternatives, but we believe that natural leather remains the superior choice in terms of both sustainability and durability. Our commitment to using responsibly sourced British leather is just one of the many ways we strive to make our luxury handbags an eco-friendly choice. 

New developments such as mushroom, pineapple and fish leather are welcome and we will continue to monitor the progress. Although the base material is naturally derived from vegan friendly plants, the only current method of production that makes them fit for use is to back them with cotton/nylon/polyester and then coat it with a petroleum based resin. This process ultimately negates the benefits of the base material and makes them less sustainable than natural leather in the long term. 

In conclusion, the environmental impact of synthetic leather should not be overlooked. By choosing natural leather, we can reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources and minimise the use of toxic chemicals. At Taylor Yates, we believe that using responsibly sourced British leather not only supports local craftsmanship but also contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry. Let us know your thoughts on Leather v Vegan Leather in the comments…