22. ‘Vegan Leather’ Made from PVC
“Vegan leather” sounds animal- and earth-friendly, but many versions are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The production and disposal of PVC release toxic emissions that are harmful to both workers and the environment. PVC-based vegan leathers are not biodegradable and can leach hazardous chemicals as they age. As Greenpeace highlights, avoiding animal products isn’t enough—materials matter. Choosing plant-based or recycled alternatives is key to truly sustainable fashion.