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    MIRUM®

    A plastic-free, 100% biobased composite material created with virgin or recycled plant matter.

    Traditional leather is made from animals, through a largely unregulated and often cruel process, while most alternatives (often marketed as ‘vegan’), are usually made entirely from synthetic materials. Discover how we approach leather and its alternatives at PANGAIA, and the problem-solving solutions we’re exploring.

    The problem with leather and synthetic alternatives

    Animal Leather

    Leather is most commonly made from animal hides from bovine (cow), ovine (sheep) porcine (pig) or caprine (goat), which is processed into a finished product through tanning. The main issue with sourcing animal leather is the slaughter— a largely unregulated, cruel industry with intensive chemical processing required. Currently, most alternatives available on the market are fossil fuel-based (a non-renewable resource) and can’t be recycled.

    PVC
    • Is derived from finite fossil fuel sources
    • Is chemically-intensive to manufacture and uses chemicals found on Restricted Substances Lists (RSLs)
    • Releases dioxins (toxic chemical compounds) into the environment during production
    • Incorporates phthalate plasticizers (hormonal disruptors) which are dangerous to humans and ecosystems
    •  Cannot be recycled and releases toxic chemicals in landfill
    PU
    • Is a synthetic polymer made from petroleum-based chemicals (its raw material is crude oil)
    • Uses toxic chemicals, finite natural resources, harmful solvents and high amounts of energy in production
    • Releases toxic compounds when waste is burned
    • Does not biodegrade at the end of its life

    Though PU is safer for humans than PVC, it’s still dependent on petrochemical raw materials. In order to make PU workable for a vegan alternative it must be turned into a liquid using harsh solvents. These solvents are usually high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to humans and the environment. But, recent advances in chemistry have developed a less toxic process known as water-based polyurethane or polyurethane dispersion (PUD). This involves modifiers and other agents in addition to water, which means PUD is a less toxic and harmful process, although we are aware PUD still relies on petrochemical raw materials and does not biodegrade at the end of its life.

    Leather Alternatives

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