Is vegetable tanned leather better for the environment?
There are many types of leather available in the market that people can choose from. One such type of leather is vegetable tanned leather which is also known as veg tanned leather or simply veg tan. Whatever the name you prefer, it is one of those leather types that are 100% environmentally friendly and natural. Coming to the main topic “Is vegetable tanned leather better for the environment?” Well, the answer is absolutely yes, veg tanned leather is a perfect choice if you are looking for a sustainable and Eco-friendly material. Veg tanned leather uses natural tannins sourced from plants and it is dyed using natural nontoxic dyes which are usually water-soluble.
In this article, we will further explore more reasons to choose vegetable tanned leather over any other material. So let’s get started
Table of Contents
What is veg tanned leather and how it is made?
Vegetable tanned or veg tanned leather is a type of natural leather that is prepared by using only environmentally friendly substances and does not pose any harm to nature. In addition, it is very durable and can last for many decades or even a lifetime if properly taken care of. It also gets better with age and usage as its softness enhances. Here is the overview of the manufacturing process:
1.| Selection of hide
High quality full grain hide is usually selected and salted to keep it from rotting.
2.| preparation of hide
Then hides are prepared by cleaning, fleshing, and liming which involves removing hair from the skin. The salt Is also washed away at this stage
3.| Tanning
Now comes the most crucial step which makes the big difference and it is tanning. Veg tanned leather is tanned with natural tannin sourced from plants (tree bark). At this stage, the fibers of the animal hide are realigned and it gets transformed into leather which is very strong and resistant to elements
4.| Dyeing
Veg tanned leather is dyed with natural dyes which are non toxic and usually water soluble to keep the surface character of the leather intact
5.| Finishing
Now comes the final step which is finishing and it involves buffing or sometimes coating with a protective layer. In the case of vegetable tanned leather, mild finishing is used.
Is the making process of veg tanned leather recyclable?
Yes, the process of making vegetable leather is absolutely recyclable. The leftover fleshings and trimmings veg tanned leather are composted to use as fertilizer in the agriculture industry as vegetable tanned leather doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Moreover, Repurposing scraps which involves Smaller leather pieces, can be used for smaller products like wallets or key chains
Vegetable tanning is generally considered a more sustainable option compared to chrome tanning. Every tannery is responsible for reducing, reusing, and recycling any waste caused by tanning the leather and they are governed by various laws
Does veg tanned leather use any synthetic substance?
The direct answer to this question is no. Veg tanned leather doesn’t use any kind of synthetic or harmful chemicals. Veg tanned leather is tanned using natural tanning agents obtained from plants (tree bark, leaves, or fruits) to convert animal hides into leather, and not only this but it is dyed using natural color dyes which is water soluble.
However, some tanneries may use a small quantity of chemicals like oils, waxes, fats, or mild alkaline agents to enhance the process. You should look for their certificates and production process to understand their methods.
What are the properties of veg tanned leather?
Well, there are multiple properties of veg tanned leather that make it stand out, here’s the overview:
1.| Durability
Veg tanned leather is known for its exceptional durability and strength as it can easily bear everyday wear and tear. A good veg tanned leather can easily last up to two decades and even a lifetime if it is properly taken care of. We can see some very old leather goods like shoes and armor from ancient times that stood the test of time as vegetable tanning was the only way to tan hides then. It is an ideal leather to make footwear, heavy-duty work gear, handbags, belts, and more due to its sturdy nature.
2.| Sustainability
One of the most significant properties of veg tanned leather is its environmental sustainability. Unlike other leather types like chrome tanned leather which uses harmful chemicals in production, veg tanned leather as mentioned earlier also is tanned using organic tanning agents sourced from tree bark, leaves, and other plant sources which ensures minimum impact on the environment. In addition, the production process of vegetable tanned leather requires less water as compared to chrome tanned leather further reducing the strain on water resources.
3.| Breathability and comfort
Vegetable tanned leather is breathable unlike most synthetic intimation leathers (faux leather), it does not trap moisture and feels suffocating due to the presence of natural pores on the surface. This property of natural leather is so important to make stuff that comes in direct contact with human skin for instance shoes, if they are not breathable enough then they will develop a foul smell. In addition, it tends to mold to the body of the wearer over time and usage which makes it the perfect fit and it it feels like it was crafted just for them. It also provides great flexibility that prevents any cracks and breaking of leather despite being stiff in the beginning.
4.| Versatility and craftsmanship
Vegetable tanned leather offers an unmatched versatility as it is very adaptable to any modification which makes it a favorite choice among craftsmen. With various surface enhancing techniques like embossing, carving, and coloring, veg tanned leather is very adaptable and easy to work with, which allows artisans to personalize the leather goods made by them by creating desirable designs. Veg tanned leather is used to make designer shoes, watch straps, embossed decorated belts, handbags, wallets, and many more.
5.| Ages well
Vegetable tanned leather, possesses a very unique quality as it tends to develop a beautiful surface patina over time and usage by absorbing body oils and it becomes darker. In addition, it also gets smoother with time making it even more premium. So there should be no doubt in calling veg tanned leather a timeless piece of luxury.
Conclusion
In conclusion, If you are looking for a sustainable and environmentally friendly leather material then you should only consider vegetable tanned leather. There are other types of leathers such as brain tanned and smoke tanned that are even more environment friendly but they are very rare and difficult to find.
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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