Is Genuine Leather Sustainable? The Environmental Impact of Real Leather

Every year, 10 million hectares of forest are wiped out. A big part of that comes from livestock farming. Think about it—millions of trees gone, leaving wildlife without homes and making climate problems even worse.

For years, companies have sold genuine leather as “sustainable.” They call it a natural byproduct of farming, something that would’ve gone to waste. But is that the full story?

Here’s the hard truth: the more you dig into the facts, the harder it is to call leather eco-friendly.

In this article, we’re getting real about leather. How it’s made, what it’s doing to the planet, and why it’s not as sustainable as people think. Let’s break it all down.

Is Genuine Leather Sustainable?

To figure this out, we need to go back – and we mean way, way back.

About 7,000 years ago, people started making leather to use animal skins that would otherwise go to waste. Cows, sheep, and goats were the usual sources. Back then, leather was practical, resourceful, and harmless to the planet.

But things have changed. Modern leather production is nothing like it used to be. And that raises an important question: can we still call genuine leather sustainable?

6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use Genuine Leather

Let's take a look at the six biggest reasons why you shouldn't use genuine leather.

1. Deforestation

Large-scale livestock farming is one of the biggest contributors to deforestation. How big? 10 million hectares of forest are destroyed every year.

You know what else is roughly 10 million hectares? Iceland. South Korea. Liberia. Imagine having areas as big as these country get wiped out per year. And the beef industry – which animal leather is a byproduct of – is responsible for at least 41% of all that.

It's not just losing trees, too. Deforestation causes major issues for our planet. Losing entire ecosystems, increasining greenhouse gases, climate change.

In the Amazon alone, cattle farming accounts for 80% of deforestation. Once lush forests are now barren, turned into land clearing for grazing cows. If deforestation reaches 20% of the Amazon, scientists warn that the damage could be irreversible.

2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Raising animals results in methane emissions – lots of it. Cows expel methane from their bodies through their burps, their belches, and their flatulence. Methane is a gas that's far more potent than CO2 – an often-overlooked consequence of the leather supply chain.

At the same time, deforestation tied to cattle ranching is also a huge problem. After all, forests are natural carbon sinks. They absorb and store carbon dioxide. When trees are cut down, that stored CO2 is released into the atmosphere.

This means that while genuine leather may be a natural material, the environmental footprint that cattle-rearing leaves behind through toxic chemicals is undeniable.

3. High Water Consumption

Both livestock farming and the leather tanning process require massive amounts of water. For instance, it can take a whopping 15,000 liters of water just to produce 1 kilo of beef. Just imagine the water footprint needed to raise a single cow, which only has enough raw material for a few pairs of cow skin leather boots.

The tanning and dyeing part of the manufacturing process only adds more strain on freshwater resources. So, sustainable fashion? Perhaps not.

4. Waste Accumulation

It’s true that animal-derived leather can last decades if you take good care of it. Well-made leather shoes, bags, and jackets can even be passed down through generations.

But here’s the catch: once leather ends up in a landfill, it becomes a long-term problem.

Natural leather doesn't break down easily. Designed to be durable, the tanning process also renders it resistant to breakdown. In fact, animal-derived leather can take on average about 25 to 40 years to decompose. That’s not as long as some plastics, but it’s still far from eco-friendly.

Even worse, think of the sheer enormity of it all. Millions upon millions of leather products are thrown every year. They stack up in landfills, aggravating already significant waste problems.

5. Pollution from Leather Tanning

Most leather is tanned using a chromium-based process that generates hazardous chemicals like toxic sludge and wastewater.

These pollutants can contaminate local water supplies, endangering nearby communities and aquatic ecosystems. In Bangladesh, roughly 90% of residents who live near tanneries don't make it to 50. Even in European countries like Sweden where production is highly regulated, research shows that working at a tannery still increases cancer risk by up to 50%.

Unfortunately, we don't have a solution to this yet, as even tanneries with better environmental credentials still struggle to eliminate all waste.

6. Animal Welfare

Here’s a big one: the treatment of animals in the leather industry is heartbreaking.

Many animals raised to serve the fashion industry suffer through harsh conditions and cruel practices. Even if leather is marketed as a byproduct of meat production, it still props up a system that puts profits first – far above animal welfare.

The good news? Sustainable and ethical leather alternatives like plant-based or recycled materials skips all of this. They don’t rely on these harmful practices, and they let you shop with a clear conscience.

Are There More Sustainable Leather Alternatives?

The environmental problems with traditional leather have pushed people to create better options. These newer materials aim to move away from animal hides and offer greener solutions – though they come with challenges, too.

Plant-Based Leather

Materials like Piñatex (made from pineapple leaves), Mylo (from mushroom mycelium), and Desserto (crafted from cactus) are leading the charge. They're exciting examples of how plants can step into the leather space.

And scientific innovations are coming up with new sustainable materials all the time. One excellent example: scientists have been experimenting with orange peels to make vegan leather.

Synthetic Leather

Faux leather, often called vegan leather, is usually made from polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These options are animal-free and widely available.

That said, they’re not perfect either. Synthetic leather depends on fossil fuels, and production can release harmful chemicals. Some types can even take up to 500 years to break down, shedding microplastics along the way.

So, if you're exploring these options, look for brands doing things better. Companies like Grace's Bags use synthetic leather from sources that prioritize eco-friendly and ethical practices.

Circular Economy Innovations

Recycling and upcycling give leather a second life. Modern leather manufacturing recycles millions of tonnes of leather daily. Leather scraps in the circular economy are transformed into new goods rather being thrown away. Though we still have work to do on the kinks, we've definitely come a long way.

There’s also exciting work in biofabrication. Lab-grown materials feel and last like leather without the same environmental impact. These not only cut waste but also make leather alternatives more sustainable every day.

The bottom line? We’ve got more choices than ever, and they’re only getting better.

What Can We Do About It?

The environmental problems tied to traditional leather production feel overwhelming, but we’re not powerless. Small actions add up, and there’s plenty we can do—both as individuals and as a society—to push for change.

1. Buy Smarter

Start with what you choose to support. Look for brands committed to sustainable leather manufacturing, whether they’re using recycled materials, vegetable tanning methods, or plant-based systems.

Certifications like those from the Leather Working Group (LWG) or Sustainable Leather Foundation can guide you toward products made with better practices. While no system is perfect, buying from companies actively trying to reduce their environmental footprint is a step forward.

2. Choose Alternatives

Vegan leathers made from materials like apple skins, cactus, and mushrooms are promising. They’re not just environmentally friendly; they also challenge the status quo of cattle ranching and traditional leather production.

Remember: every time you choose a plant-based or even synthetic alternative like what we offer here at Grace's Bags, you’re supporting the innovation that’s reshaping the industry.

3. Embrace the Circular Economy

Think about secondhand or upcycled choices rather than brand-new ones. Starting points include thrift stores, internet resale sites, and brands with recycled leather products.

Some businesses are even turning used leather scraps into exquisite, long-lasting goods, cutting waste and generating value from what's otherwise trash.

4. Demand Transparency

Ask questions. Where are materials sourced? What happens along the leather supply chain? Brands that prioritize fair labor practices, environmentally friendly processes, and ethical sourcing deserve your support.

So, don’t be afraid to hold companies accountable – your voice matters more than you think!

5. Reduce Consumption

Sometimes, the most sustainable choice is to buy less. Instead of chasing trends, invest in quality pieces that last.

A well-made alternative – whether that's leather naturally processed with fewer harmful substances like Grace's Bags or a modern leather manufacturing innovation – can save resources and reduce landfill waste over time.

6. Support Policy Changes

In a consumerist world, nothing speaks louder than your wallet.

So, use it to let policymakers know what you think. Support initiatives that encourage environmental stewardship and push for stricter regulations regarding sustainable leather production.

Public policies can drive larger changes, like cutting carbon emissions or reducing the harmful substances used in production.

7. Spread Awareness

As humans, we have the social responsibility to care about our natural environment.

Talk to your friends and family about the impact of conventional leather products. Share the benefits of vegan leather alternatives or sustainable practices. The more people who care, the more pressure brands and industries face to evolve.

We're probably not going to fix the leather industry overnight, but every choice adds up. By supporting better alternatives, making informed purchases, and demanding change, we can all contribute to a future that’s a little kinder to the planet – and to the people and animals who share it.

Support More Sustainable Practices, Support Vegan Leather

Leather has been a part of our lives for centuries, but at what cost? From the forests cleared for cattle ranching to the chemicals used in tanning, its impact on the planet is huge.

The good news? We don’t have to stick with old habits. There are better ways forward. Plant-based materials, recycled options, and innovative practices are changing how we think about fashion.

At Grace’s Bags, we’re part of that change. Our vegan leather products are designed for people who want style and sustainability. So, if you’re looking for beautiful, durable pieces that don’t compromise your values, then you've come to the right place.

And now for the big question: how will you shape the future, not just of fashion, but of your own children? Well, the choice is yours.