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The choice between faux and genuine leather is a common dilemma for many. Faux leather, known for its affordability, has gained popularity in recent years. However, a recent survey by Which?, which included over 4,200 respondents, found that faux leather was the most damage-prone choice of sofa fabric.
This discovery has led many to reconsider genuine leather as a superior material, renowned for its durability and timeless elegance.
We discuss the rise and decline of faux leather, the advantages of genuine leather, and the types of leather Crest produce.
The Rising Popularity of Faux leather: (and why its on the decline)
Faux leather, has become popular due to its affordability, and versatility. Consumers appreciate its lower cost, alongside the variety of colours and textures it can offer.
Despite its initial appeal, the popularity of faux leather is on the decline. The primary reason for this shift is the material being prone to damage, which can significantly reduce its lifespan. As a result, this has led many consumers to reconsider their options, seeking more durable and reliable alternatives.
But it’s not just sofas, the fashion industry has also experienced some degree of difficulties with this material. A study featured in Harper’s Bazaar highlights that “Clothing made from plastic can pose a threat during and after its lifespan because it could end up in water or landfill.”
Following on from this, a 2023 article in The Guardian addresses the misconceptions about faux leather, Tamsin Blanchard noted that “The problem, however, is that most pleather, faux leather and vegan leather is a product of the fossil fuel industry, and there is no system in place to recycle it.” She further emphasised the need for a comprehensive understanding of its entire life cycle, including what happens to these materials at the end of their life.
Why Genuine leather outperforms:
Genuine leather is a much more durable material than faux leather, as it can better withstand years of use, alongside everyday wear and tear.
At Crest Leather, we produce products that are carefully curated and rigorously tested to ensure the highest quality. Our leathers stand the test of time, resisting damage and can develop a unique patina that adds to its unique charm.
The true value of genuine leather:
Longevity:
Durability:
Genuine leather is renowned for its durability. Unlike its faux alternative, high-quality genuine leather can withstand daily wear and tear, often lasting decades with proper care. This makes leather items more cost-effective in the long term.
Aging Gracefully:
Over time, genuine leather can develop a unique patina, adding to its aesthetic appeal. With certain leathers, its natural aging process adds character, making each piece unique and attractive as it ages.
Repairable:
Scratches and scuffs on aniline & semi-aniline leathers can be polished out, and retain their flexibility and strength through conditioning, extending the lifespan of the material.
Environmentally Beneficial:
Biodegradability:
Genuine leather, being a natural material, is biodegradable. When disposed of, it breaks down more easily in comparison to its faux alternative, reducing its environmental footprint.
Sustainable Sourcing:
Leather is a by-product of the meat industry, utilising what would otherwise be a waste product. The hides from animals killed for their meat account for less than 4% of the animal’s total value. Research indicates that the leather industry processes approximately 7.3 million tons of hides annually, which would otherwise likely be discarded in landfills!
Less Plastic Waste:
Opting for genuine leather over faux even helps reduce plastic waste. Faux leathers, made from plastics like polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, contribute to the pollution and are not biodegradable.
Reduced Chemical Use:
Modern leather tanning processes are becoming more environmentally friendly. Choosing genuine leather not only offers a product of superior quality and longevity but also supports environmentally beneficial practices. It’s a choice that balances practicality with ecological responsibility.
Types of genuine leather Crest produce:
At Crest, we provide an extensive selection of over 430 leather colours, each catering to different preferences and applications. Whether you seek vibrant hues, subtle shades, or distinctive textures, our diverse range offers the perfect options to realise your vision.
Aniline Leather:
This high-quality leather is dyed and showcases the natural grain and unique characteristics of the hide. It offers a soft, luxurious feel and can develop a rich patina over time. However it requires care, as it may fade in direct sunlight or be susceptible to staining.
We produce over 15 Aniline articles across three different countries:
UK: Blake, Brunel, Cracked Wax, Legacy, New England, Newcastle, Old English, Russet, Selvaggio, Vintage.
USA: Belmont, Bruno, Old English.
South Africa: Intaba, Piccadilly.
Old English is a popular choice among our customers for various projects, as seen in Barclay Interiors, an interior design studio based in London, UK. Its versatility is further demonstrated in the Brewdog located in Ealing, Greater London, UK.
Semi-Aniline Leather:
This leather type leaves the grain exposed, but has a thin protective/corrective layer. Finishes are applied to providing a degree of durability and stain resistance that can take more wear than aniline leather.
Aniline leather, it’s resistant to sunlight and water damage. But it is good for those who want high quality leather without the frequent maintenance.
We produce over 15 Semi-aniline articles across three different countries:
UK: Altara, Antique Rub-Off, Austin, Bronx, Cambridge, Saloon, Tempesta, Windsor.
USA: Bronx, Dante, Elegance, Rangers, Saloon, Williamsburg.
South Africa: Amanzi, Imvelo, Marula, Storm, Windsor.
One of our most popular Semi-aniline leather article used amongst our customers is Saloon Whiskey. It has been used in a wide range of projects, particularly in the hospitality sector, such as The Royal Exchange in Cheshire, UK, as well as in the automotive industry for the restoration of a Vintage Chevrolet in 2021.
Pigmented Leather:
This is leather that has been treated with a layer of coloured finish, which creates a uniform and sleek appearance.
After this, a replicating skin texture is then embossed onto its surface. Therefore, it ensures the leather has a consistent look and feel, along with added benefits like light fastness and stain resistance.
We produce over 6 pigmented articles across three different countries:
UK: Sparta, Shelly, Vele.
USA: Mission, Regent, Shelly, Siena.
South Africa: Mopane.
The Shelly range from our new streamlined UK Performance Collection has quickly become one of our customers favorite, with Shelly Majolica Blue standing out in particular. This popular colour was recently showcased in two major hospitality projects: Tampopo in Wimbledon, UK, and Enfes within the heart of Milton Keynes, UK.
Why you can trust Crest:
With over 25 years of expertise in leather tanning, development, and distribution, Crest Leather has established itself as the leading global producer of premium upholstery leather.
Our commitment to excellence is evident in our strong reputation across various sectors, most notably residential, hospitality, contract, and even the automotive industry too. Renowned for our dedication to quality, we consistently deliver products that meet the high standards of our worldwide customer base.