It is common knowledge that some types of leather can be a detriment to the environment as they are tanned through toxic chemicals. Vegetable-tanned leather, however, does not use these toxic chemicals yet is crafted through a more natural process.

Below are a few answers to questions on how vegetable-tanned leather can impact the environment.

How is Vegetable Tanned Leather Made?

As the name suggests, vegetable-tanned leather is made through tanning animal skins with vegetable-based acid called tannin. It is a natural substance found in the bark, leaves, seeds, roots, or plant sap. This of course is great for the environment as the process is completely environmentally safe and causes no harm to the earth. Vegetable tanning is undoubtedly the most authentic method of dying leather –and is a technique that has been used for centuries and unrivalled in its ability to create a unique and nuanced finish that is safe for the environment. Get an idea of how we make our leather on our website!

Is the Process Recyclable?

Yes, the process of making vegetable-tanned leather is recyclable. It is in fact, every leather tanneries’ responsibility to recover, reuse and recycle any waste caused by tanning leather. This must be done to try to stay as eco-friendly as possible and protect the environment. An example of how they recycle vegetable-tanned leather are fibres that are removed from the hides are recycled to make agricultural fertiliser and waste from the depuration process is recycled to create bricks for the construction industry.

Does Vegetable Tanned Leather Use any Synthetic Substances?

Vegetable-tanned leather has always been made with longevity and sustainability in mind, therefore, exposure to the elements is key to its craft. This process allows the leather to develop its unique imperfections and gives it a ‘personality’ in a way. In answer to the question then, this process does not use any synthetic substances as everything about making vegetable-tanned leather is completely natural and helps out the environment, from the extraction off the animal to when it is put online for sale.

How Much Electricity is Used?

Not much at all, as when it comes to vegetable-tanned leather, hands are still more effective and efficient than modern technology Unlike other industries, machinery hasn’t replaced man-made processes. Little energy is needed to power this classic way of tanning. Despite being slower, vegetable tanning uses elements like sunlight and the ground, which helps the environment. The tanning process may take place in wooden barrels then, the hides are hung and left to dry naturally with no mechanical aid, just pure, fresh air.

Contact Us

If you are looking for quality vegetable-tanned leather at a great price then look no further than Metropolitan Leather, we will be sure to offer you a fantastic customer experience and convince you to become a regular in buying our popular leather-based products.

Contact us through our phone number 0182732216 or visit our contact us page on our website.