Corn leather is made from a by-product of the food industry – corn peel – which would typically go to waste. By repurposing this material, corn leather becomes a more sustainable option for vegan leather products. It has the same look and feel as traditional leather but is biodegradable, non-toxic, and more environmentally friendly to produce.
It’s important to note that corn leather is not only cruelty-free, but it also helps reduce food waste and supports a more circular economy. Unlike animal leather, which requires significant land, water, and energy to produce, corn leather offers an eco-friendly solution for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

When it comes to making an environmentally responsible choice, it’s important to understand how the different materials compare:

• Animal Leather: While often marketed as a by-product of the meat industry, animal leather still has significant environmental and ethical concerns. Leather production involves a chemical-intensive process, often using harmful substances like chromium, which can damage the environment. In addition, livestock farming for meat and leather production generates around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions (FAO, 2020) and contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and massive water consumption. Leather production uses around 15,000 litres of water to produce just 1kg of leather (Water Footprint Network, 2020). So even though animal leather may be marketed as a by-product, its impact on the environment is still far-reaching.
• PU Leather: Polyurethane (PU) leather is a synthetic material often made from petroleum-based plastics, offering a more affordable vegan leather alternative. While PU leather is free from animal cruelty, it is still made from fossil fuels and can contribute to plastic pollution, especially if it isn’t disposed of properly. However, PU leather is not a single-use plastic material and is designed to last much longer than many other fast-fashion alternatives, making it a better long-term choice for some. While it may not be as environmentally friendly as plant-based alternatives, PU leather is still a more sustainable option compared to traditional animal leather.
• Corn Leather: As a plant-based leather alternative, corn leather is biodegradable, renewable, and non-toxic, making it the most sustainable choice for fashion. It’s produced with fewer resources than animal leather and requires less water to manufacture. Unlike synthetic materials like PU, corn leather is not petroleum-based and has a significantly smaller carbon footprint. For instance, corn leather is derived from a renewable resource and can decompose naturally at the end of its life cycle, reducing waste in landfills. Corn leather offers an eco-conscious, vegan option that is both durable and stylish, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable fashion and ethical materials.

Corn leather’s environmental advantages extend beyond its production process. Here are just a few key points to consider:

• Biodegradable: Unlike PU leather and traditional leather, corn leather is biodegradable, meaning it won’t sit in a landfill for centuries.
• Less Water: Producing corn leather uses far less water than animal leather production. Traditional leather requires up to 15,000 litres of water for just 1kg of leather. In contrast, plant-based alternatives like corn leather require far fewer resources.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Corn leather’s carbon footprint is much lower than that of animal leather. By using a by-product of the food industry (corn peel), it doesn’t contribute to deforestation or livestock farming emissions.
• Non-Toxic Production: Corn leather is produced without harmful chemicals like chromium, which are often used in the tanning process of animal leather.