Leather: Not Just a By-Product — The Hidden Cost Behind Fashion’s Favorite Material

For years, the fashion industry has promoted the idea that leather is simply a by-product of the meat industry — a sustainable choice because it “makes use” of what would otherwise be waste. But the truth is far more complex, and often more troubling.

The By-Product Myth

It’s commonly believed that leather is a harmless secondary product — that animals are slaughtered solely for their meat, and leather just happens to be a leftover. This claim has made leather seem like a more eco-conscious option than it actually is. But the reality is: leather is a profitable co-product, not just an afterthought.

In many regions, the value of animal hides is an essential part of the profitability of livestock farming. The global leather industry is worth over $400 billion, and leather is often a key economic driver for slaughterhouses — not waste material. In fact, some animals are specifically bred for higher-quality hides.

The Environmental Impact

Even if leather were a true by-product, its impact on the environment is significant:

• Tanning leather requires heavy use of chemicals like chromium, which are hazardous to both workers and ecosystems.
• The leather tanning industry has been linked to toxic wastewater, soil contamination, and serious health risks in communities near tanneries.
• Raising livestock is one of the leading contributors to deforestation, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the UN FAO, livestock accounts for 14.5% of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions — and leather is part of that equation.

Vegan Leather Isn’t Just an Alternative — It’s a Redesign

Brands like Thamon are working to change this narrative. Rather than relying on industrial animal agriculture, we’ve created Leaftex, a plant-based material made from real leaves and recycled materials. It’s designed not as a replacement, but a rethinking of what materials can be.

• No animals harmed in the process.
• Lower carbon footprint compared to both traditional leather and PU-based vegan leather.
• Each piece is unique — thanks to nature’s own patterns.

Conscious Fashion Starts with Truth

Understanding the truth about leather’s origins and its environmental impact is the first step toward a more conscious wardrobe. Leather is not a free pass or a waste-saving hero — it’s a lucrative and environmentally damaging industry in its own right.

It’s time we stop calling leather a by-product and start recognizing it for what it really is — a co-product of an industry built on animal exploitation and environmental cost.

At Thamon, we believe in transparency, sustainability, and thoughtful design. And we’re proud to create beautiful, functional accessories without relying on outdated, harmful materials.