evidence: Culture Sustainable Fashion What Is Vegan Leather – and Is It Really Better for the Environment? This broad term is defined mainly by what it does not contain. By Katherine Martinko Katherine Martinko Senior Editor University of Toronto Katherine Martinko is an expert in sustainable living. She holds a degree in English Literature and History from the University of Toronto. Learn about our editorial process Updated September 17, 2020 Denise Buschkühle wears a black vegan leather dress in Paris, February 2020. Christian Vierig / Getty Images Culture History Travel Sustainable Fashion Art & Media Holidays Community In This Article Expand Vegan Leather vs. Real Leather Plastic-Based Vegan Leather Plant-Based Vegan Leather Maintenance and Care Frequently Asked Questions Vegan leather is defined mainly by what it does not contain – animal skin and other byproducts. It can be made from either plastics or plant matter. There is growing concern about the environmental impact of plastic-based vegan leather and its inability to biodegrade at the end of its life cycle, so the trend towards plant-based vegan leather is growing.