Cuero sintético/en
The main components of faux leather include PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and polyurethane. These are applied to a fabric base, which can be either natural or synthetic fiber. This base provides the structure while plastic coatings add durability and aesthetics. The manufacturing process is complex and varied. It begins with the selection of a suitable base fabric, followed by the application of layers of polyurethane and color. The final step involves the addition of texture to mimic the appearance of natural leather.
While animal rights groups are generally in favour of fake fur, calling it a cruelty-free alternative, the reality is that most fake fur is acrylic, made from crude oil. It uses a non-renewable source to produce and is also energy intensive. It is also chemically intensive, often containing toxic chemicals that are dumped into rivers. And because it is synthetic, it is not biodegradable. What's more, if it is machine-washable, it will release thousands of microfibres into waterways affecting food chains. In a 2014 report by the European Commission on nine fibres studied, acrylic had the worst impact.
