How sustainable are leather bags?

Which is more sustainable, a genuine leather bag or a vegan product made of synthetic leather? This question isn't so easy to answer. While respect for animal rights is guaranteed with vegan handbags, wallets, and the like, their environmental footprint isn't always better than that of accessories made from genuine leather. As a biodegradable natural product, leather has its advantages not only when it comes to disposal. With proper care, it also lasts many times longer than its alternatives. For a positive environmental impact, it's worth taking a close look at the origin, the supply chain, and the entire subsequent production process – sustainably operating companies usually disclose this information. Here you'll learn which criteria you should consider to ensure your leather handbag is truly sustainable.

The vegan lifestyle is gaining increasing traction in many areas of life in the interest of environmental protection: meat consumption is declining, and plant-based products are in high demand. Nevertheless, for certain products, it makes sense to opt for durable materials of animal origin rather than plastic – as long as these do not cause unnecessary animal suffering and are produced in an environmentally friendly way. Leather bags are robust and, with their distinctive appearance, have the potential to become lifelong companions. We'll tell you what criteria define a truly sustainable genuine leather bag and what to look for when buying one.

WHEN IS A LEATHER BAG SUSTAINABLE?

Unlike many types of synthetic leather, natural genuine leather is not only recyclable but also biodegradable. This eliminates the problem of microplastics, which can arise from the abrasion of plastic products, as well as the problematic disposal of plastics. The long lifespan of well-crafted leather is another aspect that makes genuine leather a sustainable alternative for bags. For example , business bags often become cherished possessions for a lifetime. Many people are reluctant to part with a briefcase or laptop bag they received as a graduation gift. Even everyday handbags can be used for many years if they have a classic design and their look doesn't follow fleeting fashion trends. Proper care is also essential for longevity: It is particularly important to use the right leather care product, depending on the type of leather and its intended use, to prevent signs of wear, discoloration, and brittleness.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A LEATHER BAG?

The production of leather goods consists of several phases, which can lead to varying degrees of environmental impact. It is important to consider different aspects and to carefully examine the manufacturers' information:

ETHICS: ANIMAL WELFARE & SOCIAL STANDARDS

Sustainable leather production begins with a Species-appropriate animal husbandry is essential . Furthermore, care should be taken to ensure that only animal hides generated as byproducts of the food industry are processed. To guarantee that the entire production chain adheres to sustainable standards, even during further processing, preference should be given to manufacturers who prioritize the highest possible social responsibility and good working conditions. Transparency is paramount to ensure that suppliers also comply with hygiene standards and create good working conditions for all involved.

RESOURCE CONSERVATIONS CAREFUL

In general, genuine leather is characterized by its versatile uses: leather scraps left over from cutting out pieces for bags can, for example, be used for Small leather goods such as wallets This is used to minimize unnecessary waste. Another aspect that can negatively impact the environmental footprint, especially in the tanning of animal hides into leather, is the high water consumption. Environmentally conscious leather goods manufacturers therefore use modern water recycling processes to minimize water consumption.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TANNING

For an animal hide to become leather as we know it, it must tanned The leather is tanned using vegetable, mineral, or chemical tanning agents. This process makes the leather durable and prevents rot. The most widespread method is mineral chrome tanning, which, contrary to popular belief, can often be even more environmentally friendly than vegetable tanning. However, to ensure that the final product is not contaminated with pollutants, the production process must prevent the formation of harmful chromium VI – here, too, a transparent manufacturing process is paramount. vegetable tanning Instead of minerals and chemicals, natural products such as oak or spruce bark, olive leaves, or rhubarb roots are used. While this ensures that no synthetic pollutants remain in the leather bag, plant-based preservation consumes a lot of energy to achieve the soft texture and UV resistance we expect from leather. Whether vegetable or chrome tanning: those who want to be absolutely certain about sustainability are best advised to invest in leather products from Germany or Europe, as these guarantee not only better quality but also higher environmental standards.