Vegetable-Tanned Leather vs. Vegan Leather: What’s the Difference?

Recently, a customer left a negative review on a Floto bag, claiming it was made from “vegan leather” and therefore not genuine. I was surprised when I read this — could she have confused vegetable-tanned leather with vegan leather? Or was it something more deliberate, like a misleading review from a competitor?

Either way, it made me curious. I started digging in and quickly realized that there’s a lot of confusion online about the terms vegetable-tanned leather and vegan leather. At first glance, they sound alike — both include the word “veg.” But in reality, they refer to completely different things.

Let’s break it down and clear up some of the most common misconceptions.

What Is Vegetable-Tanned Leather?

Vegetable-tanned leather is real leather made from animal hide. The “vegetable” part refers to the natural tannins used in the tanning process — derived from bark, roots, and other plant matter — not the material itself. At Floto, we specialize in producing leather goods from vegetable tanned leather. 

    • It’s made from hides (a byproduct of the food industry).
    • Tanned naturally, without harsh chemicals.
    • Ages beautifully, developing a rich patina with use.
    • Strong, durable, and biodegradable.

Vegetable-tanned leather is prized for its character and longevity. While it’s not vegan, it’s one of the most sustainable ways to produce leather.

What Is Vegan Leather?

Vegan leather, on the other hand, is a man-made alternative that contains no animal products. Most vegan leather on the market today is made from plastics such as PU (polyurethane) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), though some newer innovations use pineapple leaves, mushrooms, cactus, or other plant materials.

    • No animal products are used.
    • Often plastic-based, sometimes with plant blends.
    • Affordable and lightweight.
    • Usually less durable than real leather.

Is Vegan Leather Eco-Friendly?

Not necessarily. While vegan leather avoids animal hides, most versions rely heavily on plastic — a fossil-fuel-based material that:

    • Does not biodegrade.
    • Can release microplastics into the environment.
    • Wears out faster, often leading to more waste.

Plant-based vegan leathers are a promising development, but most still require synthetic binders for durability, so they are not entirely plastic-free.

By contrast, vegetable-tanned leather comes from a natural source that would otherwise be discarded, and it can last for decades with proper care. When its life cycle is over, it biodegrades rather than lingering as waste.

In Summary

Vegetable-tanned leather: Real leather, treated with plant-based tannins, extremely durable, and biodegradable.

Vegan leather: Synthetic or plant-based alternative, usually plastic-based, less durable, and not always sustainable.

So while vegan leather is marketed as an ethical alternative, it isn’t automatically the most eco-friendly choice. If your priority is long-lasting quality and lower environmental impact, vegetable-tanned leather often comes out on top.