Tanned to Perfection

Today, I will tell you more about what vegetable-tanning actually means and show you that, when done right, leather is a truly sustainable and durable material.

Vegetable-tanned leather takes time, skill, and cannot be mass-produced. But why is this process so good?

Unlike the more widespread, cheaper and faster chromium-based tanning process, no chrome or other toxic substances are used in vegetable-tanning. This artisanal process doesn't pollute the environment or harm the people working in the industry, and uses less machinery and electricity.

The raw hides are placed in a vat containing natural, plant-based tannins, extracted from plants such as Quebracho, Mimosa or chestnut trees. The hides are left to soak in the tannins, which helps dehydrate the leather and contributes to its nice, soft feel and aromatic, woody smell.

The leather we use is certified by the Genuine Italian Vegetable-Tanned Leather Consortium or pelle al vegetale consortium, and produced in a family-run tannery in Tuscany. This is leather made by the book: it is tanned using only natural raw materials in a artisanal, eco-friendly process that can take up to two months.

Most of the natural ingredients used during the vegetable-tanning process are recovered, recycled and re-used in different fields. They can be used to make fertilizers, construction materials and more.

While chrome-based leather can often feel less natural and start to stiffen and crackle withing a few years, vegetable-tanned leather will continue to soften and develop a beautiful patina over the years.

Choosing a product made from certified, vegetable-tanned vachetta leather means investing in a truly unique companion that will improve with age and use, reflecting your own story and personality.

Warm greetings from Vienna,

 

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Leo
Translatoraptor