Understanding the wider impact of our raw materials is very important to us and one way we try to accomplish that is by sourcing our materials from well researched, ethical and sustainable manufacturers. By working with and learning from organizations focused on these issues, such as the Leather Working Group, who work on reducing the environmental impact of leather tanneries, we can further work towards minimizing our impact and maximizing our sustainability.
Vegetable tanning is the traditional tanning method refined by the Spanish, Italians and French during the Renaissance. Today it makes up only 10% of leather produced.
Unaided by potent chemicals, vegetable tanning takes much longer than chrome tanning (several weeks/months vs a day). As a result, it can be more expensive…but it’s worth it. Vegetable-tanned leather looks natural, smells sweet and develops a unique patina over time.