Vegetable-Tanned Leather: Heritage Craft, Modern Performance
Vegetable tanning transforms raw hides into leather using natural tannins (traditionally from tree bark). Carried out over many weeks in rotating wooden drums, the process blends heritage craft with modern technology to produce a premium-quality material—made with respect for people and the environment.
What sets vegetable-tanned leather apart
- Rich, natural character that develops a one-of-a-kind patina with use
- Supple handfeel and breathable structure for comfortable everyday carry
- Durable fiber integrity for long service life and graceful aging
- Timeless look that pairs traditional craft with modern refinement
Why we choose it
- Tradition & identity: among the most time-honored and recognizable tanning methods, celebrated for the distinctive depth it gives leather
- Uniqueness: every piece absorbs the marks of your life, maturing without “ruining” and becoming unmistakably yours
- Consideration for people: made without toxic substances and generally well tolerated by those sensitive to metal compounds
Minimal Environmental Impact
- No animals are killed for their hides. Our tanneries use raw hides that are discarded by-products of the food industry.
- Tanned with natural tannins, vegetable-tanned leather can break down more readily at end of life, thanks to its chemical-biological properties (finishes and local conditions may affect biodegradation).
- Our tanneries have invested heavily in wastewater treatment and recycling systems, operating with respect for people and the environment.
- Many substances used during tanning are recovered, recycled, and reused in other fields: hair removed from raw hides is converted into agricultural fertilizer; sludge from treatment plants is repurposed in construction materials such as bricks.
- Vegetable-tanned leather does not contain toxic substances such as azo dyes, nickel, PCP, or hexavalent chromium (Cr VI).
Key Advantages of Vegetable-Tanned Leather
- Eco-friendly: tanned with natural, chromium-free methods (no chromium salts)
- Naturally rich look: colors and textures appear organic and nuanced
- One-of-a-kind character: subtle variations and hand-finished details add genuine appeal
- High durability and strength, often outlasting many synthetic alternatives
- Generally well tolerated by people with metal sensitivities
- Long-lasting and repairable; under suitable conditions, components can biodegrade at end of life
- Beautiful aging: tones deepen (“caramelize”) and develop a unique patina with use
- Crafted by skilled artisans with historic, proven know-how
- Sourced from cattle hides that are by-products of the food industry
Quality requirements for the vegetable-tanned leather we use.