What is Vegetable Tanning?
Vegetable tanning is the traditional process of transforming raw hides into leather using natural tannins derived from bark, wood, and plant matter. This method dates back thousands of years and varies slightly from tannery to tannery.
During the process, hides are slowly tanned in drums or pits for several months, allowing the natural tannins to fully penetrate the material. The result is a rich, organic leather with depth, character, and the ability to develop a beautiful patina over time.
Because it requires time, care, and skilled craftsmanship, vegetable-tanned leather is often considered one of the most respected and enduring forms of leather.
Why Vegetable Tanned Leather?
All of my products are made using vegetable-tanned leather, which is a deliberate and conscious choice.
Vegetable tanning is one of the oldest methods of leather processing and remains one of the most environmentally responsible. Unlike chrome-tanned leather, it does not rely on chromium salts or toxic heavy metals. And unlike most synthetic “vegan” leathers, it isn’t made from plastic-based materials.
The result is a natural material that ages beautifully and develops a rich patina over time.
Ethically Sourced Leather
The majority of the leather I use comes from tanneries within the Genuine Italian Leather Consortium — a network of tanneries committed to strict sustainability and quality standards.
All hides are sourced as a by-product of the meat industry, meaning no animal is raised or harmed solely for its skin.
If you’d like to learn more about the consortium and their practices, you can visit the link below.