In this article, we will examine how lifestyle and our choice of fashion materials impacts the planet. But before we begin, let us first understand the definition of vegan fashion and why it has gained popularity.
The definition of vegan fashion: Vegan fashion refers to clothing, accessories, and footwear that are made without the use of any animal-derived materials or by-products. This means that vegan fashion items exclude materials such as leather, wool, silk, fur, down, and any other textiles or components that involve animal exploitation or harm. Instead, vegan fashion relies on alternative materials that are either plant-based, synthetic, or recycled.
There are various reasons why vegan fashion has gained in popularity over the last decade. The three most significant are increased awareness of animal welfare, environmental concerns, and technological advances in the textile industry. So, let's examine these in a little more detail.
Vegan fashion also aligns with ethical and humane considerations. The production of animal-based materials often involves practices that can be harmful to animals, such as factory farming, fur farming, and mulesing (a painful procedure performed on sheep in some wool production). Supporting vegan fashion sends a message that you prioritize the well-being of animals.
Reduction in Animal Agriculture: Vegan fashion does not use animal-derived materials like leather, fur, or wool. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. By choosing vegan fashion, you reduce the demand for these materials, which can ultimately decrease the negative environmental impacts associated with animal farming.
In the example of leather, it is estimated that producing one leather tote bag takes about 17,128 litres of water. 1 In contrast, some plant-based synthetic leather alternatives, such as those made from pineapple fibres (Piñatex) or apple waste, can have lower water footprints compared to even PU or PVC. Although the water usage for these materials can vary widely, but it is often lower than 1 litre of water per meter.
Conservation of Natural Resources: Every year, the fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water — enough to meet the consumption needs of five million people.2 Producing animal-based materials like leather and wool requires large amounts of water, land, and feed for the animals. Vegan materials like synthetic leather and plant-based fabrics often have a lower environmental footprint, as they typically require fewer resources to produce.
This chart illustrates the environmental impact of various fashion materials:
| Material | Water Usage (Liters per kg) | Greenhouse Gas Emissions (kg CO2e per kg) | Land Use (m² per kg) | Other Environmental Impacts | Overall Environmental Impact |
| Conventional Leather | 17,000 - 39,000 | 110 | 160 | Deforestation, pollution | Worst |
| Wool | 150,000 | 18 | 250 | Soil degradation, methane emissions | High |
| Silk | 50,000 | 3 | 60 | Energy-intensive | High |
| Cotton (Conventional) | 10,000 | 3 | 20 | Pesticide use, soil degradation | High |
| Synthetic Fibers (e.g., Polyester) | 0 (non-irrigated) | 6 | 1 | Non-biodegradable, microplastics | Medium |
| Organic Cotton | 7,000 | 1.8 | 13 | No pesticides, improved soil health | Medium / Low |
| Tencel (Lyocell) | 2,000 | 0.6 | 7 | Low-impact, biodegradable | Low |
| Hemp | 300 | 0.5 | 7 | Improves soil health, biodegradable | Low |
| Recycled Polyester | 0 (non-irrigated) | 2.5 | 0.8 | Reduces waste, less energy-intensive | Low |
| Piñatex (Pineapple Leather) | 200 | 1 | 10 | Uses agricultural waste | Low |
Mitigation of Deforestation: Leather production, especially in tropical regions, is a driver of deforestation. By choosing vegan alternatives, you can help reduce the demand for leather and, indirectly, help protect vital forests and ecosystems.
Promoting Sustainable Practices: Many vegan fashion brands prioritise sustainability in their production processes. They may use eco-friendly materials, implement ethical labour practices, and reduce waste in their supply chains. Supporting these brands encourages the fashion industry to adopt more sustainable practices.
Technological advances in textile design and manufacturing are playing a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of fashion materials.
Plant-Based Textiles: Materials like Piñatex (made from pineapple fibres), cork, banana fibres, and hemp are gaining popularity as sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. These are biodegradable and require fewer resources to produce.
Mycelium Leather: Created from the root structure of mushrooms, mycelium leather is a biodegradable alternative to animal leather. It requires less water and energy to produce and can be grown in controlled environments.
Algae-Based Fabrics: Algae is being used to create biodegradable textiles that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly, as they can absorb carbon dioxide during production.
Nanotechnology: Enhancements such as nano-coatings can improve the durability and performance of fabrics without the need for environmentally harmful chemicals. For example, water-repellent coatings can be achieved without using traditional, toxic waterproofing agents.
Sustainable Fabrics: Tencel (Lyocell) is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, and uses a closed-loop production process that recycles water and solvents, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Bamboo and Eucalyptus Fibers also require fewer pesticides and fertilisers compared to traditional cotton, and both materials are derived from fast-growing, renewable resources.
Improved Quality and Aesthetics: Modern vegan materials are often indistinguishable from traditional materials in terms of look and feel, making them more appealing to a broader range of consumers.
Reduction in Chemical Use: Traditional textile production can involve harmful chemicals and pesticides. Vegan fashion often relies on natural or synthetic materials that may reduce the need for these chemicals, contributing to cleaner water and soil.
These technological advancements are helping to transform the fashion industry by making it more sustainable and reducing its environmental impact. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge, further enhancing the sustainability of fashion materials.
It's important to note that not all vegan fashion is automatically sustainable or environmentally friendly. The production of synthetic materials can still have negative impacts, such as microplastic pollution. Therefore, it's essential to research and choose brands that prioritise both vegan and sustainable practices. Additionally, reducing overall consumption, opting for high-quality and long-lasting items, and practising responsible disposal (such as recycling or upcycling) are important aspects of sustainable fashion, regardless of whether it's vegan.
Overall, the popularity of vegan fashion is driven by a convergence of ethical considerations, environmental sustainability, technological advancements, and changing consumer values. This trend is likely to continue growing as more people become aware of the benefits and opportunities associated with vegan fashion.
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