LEATHER: A MATERIAL MADE FROM THE SKIN OF AN ANIMAL BY TANNING OR SIMILAR PROCESS
LEATHER: TANNING METHODS
Brain tanned leathers are made by a labor-intensive process that uses emulsified oils, often those of animal brains such as deer, cattle, and buffalo. They are known for their exceptional softness and washability. Chrome-tanned leather is tanned using chromium sulfate and other chromium salts. However, there are environmental concerns with this tanning method, as chromium is a heavy metal. The method was developed in the latter half of the 19th century as tanneries wanted to find ways to speed up the process and to make leather more waterproof. ...
LEATHER: FROM OTHER ANIMALS
Today, most leather is made of cattle hides, which constitute about 65% of all leather produced. Other animals that are used include sheep (about 13%), goats (about 11%), and pigs (about 10%). In Thailand, stingray leather is used in wallets and belts. Stingray leather is tough and durable. The leather is often dyed black and covered with tiny round bumps in the natural pattern of the back ridge of an animal. These bumps are then usually dyed white to highlight the decoration. Stingray rawhide is also used as grips on Chinese swords, Scottish basket hilted swords, and Japanese katanas. Stingray leather is also used for high abrasion areas in motorcycle racing leathers. ...
LEATHER: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Leather produces some environmental impact, most notably due to: The carbon footprint of cattle rearing, use of chemicals in the tanning process and air pollution due to the transformation process. Producers often add pesticides to protect hides during transport. With solid wastes representing up to 70% of the wet weight of the original hides, the tanning process represents a considerable strain on water treatment installations. Leather biodegrades slowly—taking 25 to 40 years to decompose. However, vinyl and petrochemical-derived materials take 500 or more years to decompose.* ...
*Author note: Of course in choosing a synthetic and man-made option, you don't support the horrors involved with animal suffering. However, many entrepreneur companies are working to reform and create leather from various sources without the animal. Learn more.
*Author note: Of course in choosing a synthetic and man-made option, you don't support the horrors involved with animal suffering. However, many entrepreneur companies are working to reform and create leather from various sources without the animal. Learn more.