Leather is one of the oldest materials and a natural resource that is perishable. Tanning is the process that stabilize the fibre structure of the skin and prevent it from decaying, decomposing and oxidizing.
Vegetable tanning is a traditional craft process that tanneries have handed down from father to son for over 200 years. It process the hides in a pure and natural way without using harmful chemicals. It is a traditional, artisanal process that takes advantage of the tannic acids naturally found in some plants, by using the barks, branches, leaves or even some fruits in some specific techniques.
It is an astonishing process based on the use of tannins, on modern technologies and machinery but mainly, on the slow passage of time.
The transformation from raw hides into a material that will last a long time is a process that happens slowly in wooden drums while respecting the environment. It is an astonishing process based on the use of natural tannins, on modern technologies and machinery but mainly, on the slow passage of time. The actual tanning process takes between one and three months.
Processed hide & tanning drums at our Italian supplier
A distinction is usually made between chemical and natural tanning methods. The most popular and controversial tanning, due to its widespread use in the fashion industry, is chrome-tanning. The use of chromium salts is harmful to the human health and the environment. Despite these significant disadvantages, it is still the most used method in the fashion industry, mainly because this method is faster, cheaper, less material is needed and requires less expertise.
Why we use vegetable leather is not only because its a responsible and sustainable choice. A vegetable tanned leather is unique and the final product one of its kind. Its quality and texture will last and its patina only get more beautiful when used. Due to the more gentle processes the average length of life of vegetable tanned leather is considerably higher than that of chrome-tanned leather. You will be acquiring a natural canvas to record your life experiences.