Information on Organic Leather

What means eco-leather?

Leather has been used by humans for hundreds of years for clothing and other purposes.
Initially, the leather was protected against rotting only by drying of the fresh hides in the air or by the fire. Progressively, new methods have been invented leading to various negative effects on the environment.
The most important difference of environmental sustainable produced leather (eco or bio leather) to conventionally produced leather is a tanning process without the use of the chrome, a substance that is highly toxic to humans and the environment.

Tanning

The tanning of hides into leather is carried out by the use of a mixture of sodium bicarbonate (known as baking agent, baking powder) and extracts from different plant species (such as Tara, Valonea, and rhubarb).

Light fastness

The dyes used to color leather change their structure under the influence of the high-energy rays of the sun. The intensity of this effect depends on the method of leather tanning and the agents used for it. The original color of the leather may darken or fade. This is a natural process that can only be slowed by a massive application of chemical additives on the leather surface. For reasons of health and environment, it is much wiser to avoid the exposition of leather furniture, textiles and shoes to direct sunlight or other strong light sources for a long period of time and to keep them in shady spots instead.