VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER

Unlike leathers tanned by other methods, vegetable tanned leather maintains the original characteristics of the animal's skin, which takes on a more natural look and uniqueness.

Vegetable tanned leather is obtained from the processing of raw animal skins through the use of shredded plant rinds, rich in tannins, to which water is added and then the hides are left to soak.

It is the oldest tanning process in the world and has prehistoric origins. This type of leather is considered 100% eco-sustainable as it has almost zero environmental impact.

TANNINS

Tannins are used to tan the leather, they are present in some plants such as mimosa, chestnut and quebracho. They are derived by shredding the bark of these plants in order to obtain a powder which, when mixed with water, allows the tanning. No chrome or heavy metals are involved in the tanning process of vegetable tanned hides.

ORIGIN

The leather skins  we work with are from farms in Italy. All suppliers have to send the traceability of the skins to our tannery Conceria 800 in Tuscany, Italy. This is mandatory in Europe and makes the process as sustainable as possible.

The skins we use are all a waste-product of the meat industry — this process is considered up-cycling because otherwise the skins would be destroyed. No cow in Europe is killed for the leather but only for the meat.

BIODEGRADABLE

Vegetable tanned leather, unlike chrome, oil tanned or any kind of vegan leather, is completely biodegradable and never toxic because it is composed and treated with only natural substances.

HOW TO CARE FOR VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER

The  best way to care and maintain vegetable tanned leather is to use it. The natural oils of your body will condition and soften the leather over time. If you would like to apply an oil for extra conditioning you can use oils such as mink oil or neatsfoot oil, which give it a deeper and richer appearance. Note: Never use any vegetable or cooking oils as this will damage the leather.

APPEARANCE OF VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER CHANGES OVER TIME

Your vegetable tanned leather product improves with age. With time, it softens and the color deepens. Natural leather will darken substantially when subjected to light. This is a natural product and each piece will age uniquely based on the cut of leather and the external factors it’s subjected to.