Animal-Free Materials, Vegan Leather, and Synthetic Leather

Animal-free material describes a product made without intentionally used animal-derived inputs. Vegan leather is a marketing label, while synthetic leather identifies a man-made leather-like construction, commonly a textile backing with a polymer surface.

What the label leaves open

These terms do not establish recycled content, bio-based share, durability, repairability, or life-cycle impact. Verify the face, backing, coating, additives, and covered surfaces; see Interior Materials, Air Quality, and Circularity and Seat Upholstery.

Sources

• FTC — Leather Guides