The Leather ABC — from A for Animal Care to Z for Zero Illusions
Leather is more than just a material. It reflects how we treat resources, animals, and responsibility. In our Leather ABC, we showcase what makes leather sustainable and regional — clear and concise, from A to Z.
From A to C: Covering animal care, beyond bio leather, and conscious chrome tanning
Animal care
No animal, no leather. But how animals are raised makes all the difference. Our hides come exclusively from cattle raised on grass-based, organic, or biodynamic farms — with plenty of space, pasture access, and a life that respects their nature.
Beyond bio leather
Bio leather is often used to mean vegetable-tanned leather. For us, it means more: leather from animals raised with biological responsibility. That’s why we source our hides directly from organic farms and tan them with plant-based methods. Take a look at our production process here.
Chrome tanning
Chrome tanning isn’t inherently bad — chromium III salts themselves aren’t toxic. Problems arise when handled improperly, leading to the formation of harmful chromium VI. Plus, chrome requires mining chromite, which strains resources. That’s why we rely on vegetable tanning and deliberately avoid heavy metals: better for people, animals, and the environment.
D to F: About design, embracing authenticity, and the joruney from farm to leather
Design rooted in origin
Our leather products tell stories. Each piece is a blend of origin, craftsmanship, and design. Thoughtfully regional, beautifully crafted.
Embracing authenticity
Leather with character. Small scars or surface variations aren’t flaws—they’re marks of genuine nature. That’s why we leave our leather untreated and avoid coatings that hide its unique features.
From farm to leather
Leather is usually a byproduct of the meat industry — hides come from animals primarily raised for food. We only process hides from organic meat production. This way, the entire animal is used as fully as possible. (Exceptions include certain exotic leathers and hides from wild animals like kangaroo, roe deer, or stag, which sometimes come from hunting.) You can find more information about our approach and philosophy here.
G to J: More About Gentle Tanning, Interior & Jewels of a Timeless Craft
Gentle tanning
The crucial process of turning raw hides into leather. We rely on small, local tanneries that tan leather carefully and eco-friendly — without toxic chemicals and always in harmony with people and nature.
Handcrafted heritage
Whether it’s a bag, a pair of pants, or a door handle — our partners craft each piece with utmost precision and passion. Every item becomes a statement. Discover some examples here.
Interior design
Leather is more than just fashion — it also lives in furniture, walls, handles, and spatial designs. Sustainable, tactile, and durable. In our blog post "Leather in architecture" we showcase a project where our leather was used as a door handle. We love the versatility of this material.
Jewels of a timeless craft
Tanning is a craft with centuries of history. We carry it on as it was done before — guided by values that were once standard: animal welfare, transparency, and regional roots. These principles were normal long ago but faded with industrialization and globalization.
K to M: More about Climate, Longevity, and Minimal Waste
Keeping climate in balance
Holistically grazed grasslands capture more CO₂ through rotation and pasture management than forests. Studies (for example by Quantis on white oak pastures) show that meat from these animals can be carbon negative. When leather is made with the same responsibility, it becomes part of a closed loop and a material with lasting value. Regeneratively raised cattle absorb CO₂ through grazing. When leather is processed responsibly, it can be part of a true circular economy.
Longevity
Good leather lasts for decades — and only gets more beautiful with time. A true alternative to the throwaway mentality. The brand MARAI has published a beautiful article on its blog about natural leather and its patina.
Minimal waste
We aim to use the full potential of a hide — including the so-called “difficult” parts. When we process leather for other brands, we make sure to use as much as possible. We’re also happy to advise on design to develop sustainable solutions together.
P to Q: Partnership, Price, Quality — Values That Matter to Us.
Partnership in production
We’re not looking for customers, but partners — for co-creative projects with vision. Whether a small label or an established studio, we welcome exchange and inspiration. Take a look at some projects e’ve had the pleasure to support in the past.
Price
Sustainability comes at a cost. Local production means fair wages and high ecological and social standards — that’s what our products stand for. When you buy from us, you invest in quality, responsibility, and long-term cycles.
Quality before quantity
Less is more. We prefer a few well-crafted pieces with a story over mass-produced goods without soul.
R to U: From R for Respectful Roots, Slow Leather, and Tenderness for Animals to U for Unique Pieces
Respectful roots & traceability
From pasture to stitch: every step with us is transparent and fully traceable. Not just an empty phrase, but a principle we live by.
Slow leather
Just like Slow Food, Slow Leather represents mindful, local, and responsible leather craftsmanship — unhurried and driven by passion.
Tenderness for animals
The key factor for us, a given: quality leather comes only from animals that have lived well. Period.
Unique products with soul
Every hide is different. Every product carries its own marks. We celebrate the unique. This is how our leather creates one-of-a-kind pieces with soul.
V–Z: From Vegetable Tanning and the X-Factor to Forward Thinking
Vegetable tanning
We use certified, plant-based tannins from quebracho, oak, mimosa, chestnut, and tara. An ancient method that’s more relevant today than ever.
Worth
The hide is a byproduct of slaughter, not waste. We see it as a valuable resource that deserves respect— from start to finish.
X-factor: Care
Care is something you can’t see – but you can feel it. In every product, every conversation, every decision.
Yes to origin
We say yes to short supply chains, yes to working with regional farms, and yes to taking responsibility.
Zero illusions: real transparency over certificates
For us, sustainable leather means that it is produced in harmony with people, animals and nature - responsibly and traceably. This does not necessarily require a certificate. Because not everything that is sustainable carries a seal. We focus on genuine transparency instead of symbolism - and provide insight instead of promises.
Are you missing a term or curious to learn more?
Feel free to get in touch with us – we’re always happy to start a conversation! We’re open about everything: where our leather comes from, how it’s processed, and what drives us. We also offer workshops where you can explore sustainable leather and gain deeper insights into our work. Drop us a message if you have any questions or would like to chat with us.