Vegetable tanned leather: A hidden luxury
Leather stands as a timeless material, renowned for its sustainability, and one exceptional variant is vegetable-tanned leather. In this article we will explore vegetable-tanned leather and its eco-friendly creation process. Whether you’re curious about what vegetable-tanned leather is, how it’s made, or seeking more insights, this article is your guide. Additionally, we’ll uncover why it might just be the perfect choice for your next leather purchase.
Table of Contents
What is vegetable tanned leather?
Vegetable tanned leather also known as veg leather or vegetable leather, is the type of leather that is tanned and dyed using natural materials, and it is not treated with harmful synthetic chemicals.
The tanning agents used in the tanning process are derived from tree bark that contains a substance called tannin.
Vegetable tanning is one of the oldest methods of tanning that has been used for centuries and became popular because of its beauty and durability.
Vegetable tanning is very expensive compared to other tannin methods as it takes so much time and labor to make. The process of veg tanning can take several weeks to even months, depending on the thickness and type of hide. Additionally, vegetable-tanned leather can only be produced where raw materials like natural tanning agents are available.
How vegetable leather is made?
1.| Selection of hide
The animal hide is selected and salted to keep it from rotting. It is generally a high-quality animal skin as vegetable-tanned leather is a kind of expensive leather
2.| Preparation of hide
Selected animal hides are prepared by cleaning, fleshing, and removing hair. Salt is also removed at this stage
3.| Tanning
Tanning is the most crucial step of the leather manufacturing process as this is what transforms an animal’s skin into leather. The animal hide is treated with chemicals to preserve its natural qualities and prevent decomposition. In the case of vegetable leather, natural tanning agents sourced from the bark of trees are used and this process can take several weeks to months.
4.| Dyeing
After the leather is tanned and dried, it undergoes a dyeing process which is quite special in the case of vegetable tanned leather as only natural dyes are used to dye the leather. No harmful chemical is employed in the manufacturing of veg-tanned leather.
5.| Finishing
Finally, after the leather is dried, it undergoes a finishing process that involves buffing, removing extra material if any, and finishing coats are applied sometimes before handing it over to quality check.
Is vegetable leather for you?
If you are into high-end luxury things then you should consider vegetable tanned leather. See leather is itself a luxurious material and vegetable leather is even more exclusive and expensive than other kinds of leather so it commands an ultra luxurious reputation in the market.
Additionally, veg leather is very tough and it tends to develop even better patina than any other kind of leather. Sometimes vegetable leather totally changes its color after few years of usage which makes it a unique material
Also if you are concerned about the environment and looking for a more sustainable product, then vegetable tanned leather is just made for you as no other material can match the quality and sustainability of this ultra-luxurious material called vegetable leather.
Pros and Cons of vegetable leather
Pros
1.| Highly sustainable and natural
Veg tanned leather is prepared by using natural substances which not only makes it environmentally friendly but also suitable for people who are prone to allergic reactions as no harmful chemicals are used.
2.| Durability
Veg tanned leather is highly durable and it can easily last for multiple decades if properly taken care of
3.| Breathable and comfortable
Just like other leather types, veg leather is also breathable and very comfortable to wear as it tends to take the shape of the wearer once broken in
4.| Pleasant smell
Vegetable tanned leather has a natural earthy smell unlike chrome tanned and other types of leather as it is made using the natural substances
5.| Age well
All natural leathers develop a beautiful patina with age and usage, but vegetable tanned leather tends to show this phenomenon even more its color varies significantly and each piece becomes one of a kind after aging
Cons
1.| Price
Due to the time-consuming manufacturing process and limited yield, veg tanned leather is significantly more expensive than the other types of leather
2.| Slow production
The tanning process involves using natural tanning agents which can take several weeks to even months to get induced in hide which is significantly longer as compared to other leather types
3.| Limited color option
As natural dyes are used, vegetable tanned leather is only available in limited shades of browns and tans, more vibrant colors are less available
4.| Prone to water damage
As a natural material, veg leather is more prone to water damage as compared to other types of animal leather
5.| Maintenance is high
Vegetable leather needs high maintenance and needs more frequent cleaning and conditioning as natural oils are used in this leather
How do you recognize vegetable tanned leather?
You can recognize real vegetable tanned leather among other leather in number of ways, some of which are
Visual-
You can easily tell by looking surface, veg tanned leather will have non-uniform structure with even more irregularities than the chrome tanned leather
Color of the veg leather is a significant factor as it is not easily available in vibrant colors, only shades of brown and tans can be found whose tannins are used
The Patina of veg tanned leather is even more significant and its shade gets deeper with timeless
Smell-
The smell of veg tanned leather is different as it contains the natural earthy smell of the usage of natural substances, unlike chemicals like the smell of chrome tanned leather
Boil test-
You can test a piece of vegetable leather in boiling water but keep in mind that it will be completely ruined after testing, if you put it in boiling water, it will shrink and its size will be reduced significantly unlike chrome leather which only changes a bit
Burn test-
If you burn a piece of vegetable tanned leather it will take more time than the other types of leather and leave black ash, on the other hand, chrome tanned leather leaves a greenish residue
How do you care for vegetable leather?
1.| Regular conditioning and cleaning
Regular conditioning and cleaning are very crucial for every type of animal leather but it becomes even more important in the case of vegetable tanned leather, you should use a good quality leather conditioner every 6 months and should clean any dust or residue
2.| Proper storage
Proper storage of leather is also very necessary, ensure a cool, dry, and ventilated place when storing your leather goods. Also, avoid putting your leather goods in plastic bags, use a breathable fabric bag instead. Moreover, store them in a hanging position
3.| Avoid exposure to elements
Vegetable tanned leather is very much susceptible to natural elements such as sunlight and water. So avoid them whenever possible, and wipe off any spill immediately
4.| Avoid using harsh chemicals
You should avoid using any type of strong chemical, especially for cleaning purposes as it can ruin the natural oils and dye used in the veg leather
Uses of veg tanned leather
Vegetable tanned leather is so versatile that it can be used where chrome leather is used but it is usually used in high-end luxury leather products because of the high price tag and limited availability.
It can be used to make shoes, accessories, garments, bags and luggage, upholstery, and many more. Due to its high strength, it can also be used in luxury sporting goods.
Conclusion
Well, I hope you’ve found answers to all your questions, such as what is vegetable tanned leather and Why is it so expensive. However, a common question remains: Is vegetable leather really worth the price? Well, In my opinion, the answer is definitely yes. Considering all its unique qualities and the effort that goes into making it, veg tanned leather leather worth the extra investment. No other leather can quite match the luxurious feel of top grain vegetable tanned leather.
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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