Can Leather Be Recycled? From waste to worth
Leather is one of the best materials available, offering unique features that can only be found in natural leather. However, when buying leather or any material we should always consider the environmental impact, specifically whether the material can be recycled.
In this article, we will discuss leather waste and answer the age-old question: Can leather be recycled? By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the environmental impact of leather.
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Some facts about leather waste recycling
According to the World Bank, the world generates around 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, and this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Leather contributes around 400,000 tonnes to this total. Unfortunately, the current recycling rate for leather waste is quite low, estimated to be between 15-20% globally. This means that the majority of leather waste—approximately 80%—ends up in landfills every year.
These facts about leather waste raise the question: can leather be recycled? The straightforward answer is yes, leather is 100% recyclable and can easily be saved from going to landfills by adopting some changes in our leather usage and buying habits.
Many people nowadays are concerned about the environment, and many organizations have taken steps to reduce waste by adopting various measures. The leather industry, which is highly regulated, is no exception. For instance, leather scraps are used to make leather goods.
Additionally, some brands heavily promote the use of recycled leather in their products to appeal to the growing number of environmentally conscious consumers.
How to recycle leather?
There are many ways to recycle leather but the best and the easiest one is to repurpose the old leather goods. Some of the ways of reusing leather are so simple that you can even try them yourself as your next DIY project
1.| Take care of your old leather goods
Leather is a durable material and can be used for a lifetime if properly cared for. You can significantly extend the life of existing leather goods by taking proper care of them. For instance, you can clean and condition your leather goods periodically or protect your leather items from elements like sunlight and rain. Additionally, ensuring proper storage for your leather goods will help them last longer, avoiding the need for frequent replacement.
2.| Take scraps to recycle centers
If you are a leather worker, you are likely left with many leather scrap pieces at the end of any project. Instead of discarding these leather pieces, we suggest contacting a recycling center to find out what kinds of leather pieces they accept and what they don’t. Then, you can take these leather scraps to them. If they offer you some money for the scraps, that’s a great deal since you were going to discard them anyway.
3.| Repurpose leather
Repurposing old leather goods into smaller new ones is one of the best ways to recycle leather. For instance, you can use leather from an old biker jacket to make smaller leather goods like wallets, keychains, and many more items. If part of your leather item is ruined and cannot be repaired, you can use the rest of it to make repurposed leather goods. Moreover, by doing this, you will not only help the environment but also develop a new art and skill. You can even involve your loved ones by taking their help and informing them about the benefits of leather recycling.
4.| Repair worn-out leather items
Another effective method of recycling old leather goods is to repair them. Leather is a tough material, and it is often possible to repair it by some means. If it’s a minor damage such as a scratch, stain, or minor tear, you can do it on your own by getting a specific leather repair kit from a nearby store or online. On the other hand, if it is something you cannot handle, don’t worry; you can always contact a professional leather repair service near you. If it is beyond repair, then you can consider repurposing it as described in the previous section.
5.| Sell leather scraps to craft makers
You can donate your leather pieces to leather craft makers if you are going to throw them away anyway. They can make many cool things out of them, and you will get the satisfaction of knowing you have done your part to protect the environment. If you do not want to give them away for free, which is totally fine, you can find some craft makers who will pay you for those leather pieces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, If you ask me if real leather has any alternative, I would say that real leather holds a special charm that cannot be replicated by any artificial material. Leather’s natural essence and the uniqueness of each skin give it an irreplaceable character. While some cheaper options like bonded leather and faux leather are available, can they replace real leather? In my view, nothing can replace the authenticity of natural leather.
If you have any doubts, feel free to ask in the comment section, and for more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.
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