KNOW YOUR LEATHER
How is Leather made and where does it come from?
A question as old and timeless as leather itself. We are here to put your curiosity to rest so you’re well aware how leather products are made.
Leather mainly comes from the skins of cattle, sheep and goats. It is made through sophisticated methods by treating them with advanced chemistries to preserve them before they are turned into jackets, wallets, bags and other premium accessories in tanneries. This process is called tanning which has been practiced for more than 7000 years.
Is My Leather Genuine or Man-made?
Certain characteristics of leather can help determine whether your leather is genuine or faux leather.
- Genuine leather will have a porous look and fine lines. Faux leather will have a fine texture with an artificial shine or gloss.
- Real leather will have a natural and organic smell whereas fake leather may smell of plastics and chemicals.
- Real leather has a rugged underside whereas fake leather will seem processed and treated with seams that are visible.
Myths about Leather
It should be known that the hides and skins are a byproduct of animals that are raised for meat and milk. It is a common misconception that animals are killed for leather and that reducing the demand for leather will have an impact on how many cattle are reared but that is not the case.
This is because these animals are primarily raised for the food industry and if the skins are not utilized then they will simply go to waste. In fact, leather manufacturing is actually a form of recycling. If hides aren’t used to make leather then they might end up in landfills and garbage dumps, thus contributing to greenhouse gases and other environmental impacts.
