Sustainable materials. Leather: why is it sustainable?
In this context, it's important to consider the broader implications when addressing the environmental impact of materials used. It should be acknowledged that no human or industrial process is entirely without consequences and environmental burdens.
In general, the tanning process has a significant impact on the environment if not conducted through specialized facilities that recycle large quantities of water and minimize environmental effects (such as carbon footprint or heavy metal pollution) through methods like cleaning or reusing production waste and eliminating fumes via complex fume treatment processes.
In our experience some well-known luxury brands proudly promote the use of eco-leather as a marker of sustainability. While the intention is admirable, in practice, these eco-leather materials still have an environmental footprint being the result of industrial processes that produce waste and rely on reagents that need to be thoughtfully considered.
To illustrate this point, let's consider some examples. Some luxury brands incorporate eco-leather into the production of watch straps. Although these products are deemed high-end and luxurious, they generally have a shorter lifespan compared to traditional leather. A well-crafted leather strap can last for decades, greatly surpassing the durability of eco-leather straps. Thus, within the same timeframe, one leather strap may be equal to using several dozen eco-leather straps that would need replacement due to wear and tear.
A genuine leather strap, because of its inherent durability, can be considered therefore sustainable, since their environmental footprint is spread over years of use and the guaranteed lifespan.
Environmentally friendly factories? How to make it sustainable?
Leather production scraps, such as irregularly cut pieces, can be minimized or creatively utilized. We should weigh the next time we discard leather scraps that are not of appropriate size. Instead of wasting them, we can find ways to use them while incorporating design and aesthetics.
The project will creatively utilize production cut-offs, giving new life to these leather scraps and honoring the use of natural and animal materials. Gadgets will be produced from these leather scraps and distributed through a dedicated e-commerce platform. If you wish to make your choice even more sustainable, you can contribute by adding these gadgets to your order.