We're celebrating: OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD certification is finally here!
It's official! Our black and undyed cow leather is now OEKO-TEX® Leather Standard certified – Product Class I, the baby class. For us, this isn't just a label, it's proof that our leather products are free from substances that could harm your health – consistently, measurably, and independently tested.
EU regulation: What else is in store for the leather industry?
In the leather industry, buzzwords such as "REACH," "PFAS," and "bisphenols" are frequently mentioned, but many smaller brands are wondering: What does this mean for my company specifically? What regulations are actually coming, and how can I ensure that I am not caught off guard, either legally or financially? In this blog, we take a look at the latest developments in EU chemical regulations – particularly those that could be relevant to smaller brands that manufacture and distribute leather goods. We also give you practical tips on how you can prepare.
Why education about leather is crucial for brands
A lot has changed in recent years when it comes to leather. Sustainability is no longer a "nice-to-have", but a clear expectation of brands. At the same time, there are numerous myths and half-knowledge about where leather comes from, how it is produced and what responsibility brands bear in the process.
What the EUDR means for the leather industry
It's been the talk of the town for the past few months: the EUDR, the new EU regulation against deforestation. The term is now regularly used in specialist articles and industry circles, usually accompanied by a certain furrowing of the brow. One thing is clear: the EUDR will bring far-reaching changes to many areas of the agricultural and raw materials sectors - including the leather industry. But what exactly is behind it? And what does this mean in concrete terms for manufacturers and retailers of leather products?
Trust instead of seals – our stance on certificates
Does sustainability require certification? We often encounter this question. Many people believe that only those who carry a seal are truly acting sustainably. However, we take a more nuanced view and say quite clearly: not necessarily. For us, sustainability begins with transparency. In this blog article, we take a look at certifications and their significance.
Leather Workshop Switzerland: Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Genuine Insights
What makes leather sustainable? How is it produced, and how can we work with it responsibly?
In our workshops, we focus on one thing: genuine transparency. In a time when terms like “genuine leather” or “sustainable” are often used loosely, we believe that true understanding is key. Only those who know where leather comes from and how it’s processed can make informed choices, whether as consumers, designers, or businesses.
Leather in Architecture? Yes – Absolutely.
Some materials speak to us on a deeper level — through touch, scent, texture, and presence. Leather is one of them. Although used for centuries, we’re witnessing a quiet shift: leather is taking on a new role in architecture and interior design, no longer just a decorative accent, but a genuine design element.
Leather trousers – made by hand, made to last
MARAI garments and belts are made in a small family-run workshop in Oporto, Portugal. The workshop is led by a brother-sister team who bring years of expertise to their craft – supported by two seamstresses and an elderly gentleman in charge of cutting.
What is semi-aniline leather?
Our garment leather is what's known as semi-aniline leather. This means it receives a light pigmentation – a thin layer of color that protects the leather without covering its natural surface. The grain remains largely untreated, and the pores stay open.