What has Driven the Non-Leather Products Market to Witness such Extensive Growth

What is Non-leather Products

Artificial leather, synthetic, faux, leatherette, or vegan leather, is a cruelty-free, eco-friendly product. It is manufactured using various materials such as polyvinyl chloride, glazed cotton, cork, silicone rubber, polyurethane, etc. It substitutes animal leather and makes jackets, seat covers, luggage bags, purses, wallets, sofas, and other materials.

Drivers of the Non-Leather Products Market

Issues linked with Animal-based leather

The production of leather involves tanning, which is necessary to preserve animal skin and prevent it from rotting. Unfortunately, tanning is widely regarded as a highly hazardous segment of leather production due to the harmful chemicals it releases. Mineral salts, coal tar, and formaldehyde are among the substances released and often pollute waterways, leading to acute health problems for tannery workers exposed to them over long periods of time. Shockingly, a major 90% of employees in the Bangladeshi tannery sector die before they reach 50 due to this exposure. It is estimated that over a billion animals are slaughtered annually to manufacture leather jackets, purses, belts, wallets, and other products. Organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have campaigned tirelessly against animal-based leather, and many fashion companies have banned exotic skins in response. The issues linked with animal-derived leather have contributed significantly to the growth of the non-leather products market.

Rise in the use of non-leather products in the automobile sector

Leather has long been linked with top-notch and longevity in luxury cars, but its production has a high environmental cost. According to UN estimates, animal agriculture, including leather and wool manufacture, adds to 14.5% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. To meet consumer demand for sustainable and animal-free alternatives, automotive manufacturers are turning to non-leather materials. For example, in the year 2021, BMW iVentures invested in Natural Fiber Welding, which generates recyclable vegan leather. Also, Volvo plans to be utterly leather-free in all its cars by 2030; Volkswagen makes use of AppleSkin leather, a bio-based leather-like fabric made from unwanted apple skins. Mercedes-Benz also announced in 2022 that the VISION EQXX EV’s interior would feature vegan leather produced from cactus and mushroom root systems. This trend in the automotive sector is driving the growth of the non-leather products sector.

Conclusion

Organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) advocate for a ban on animal leather. Rising awareness among consumers and their preference for non-leather products are driving the market for vegan leather.

Author's Detail

Sneha Mali, LinkedIn

I am a research analyst working in various domains including the Consumer Goods domain, and my primary responsibility is to conduct thorough research on various subjects and provide valuable insights to support client requirements. I have knowledge of research methodologies, and data mining which enables me to analyze large data sets, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate them effectively. I stay up-to-date with the latest research trends, methodologies, and technologies to ensure that my research is accurate, relevant, and impactful.

Supriya Jagtap  

I am working as a Senior Research Analyst, mainly involved in conducting market research in the Information and Communication, and Technology domain. Skilled in Secondary Research, Primary Research, Data Analytics Resea…