The EUDR—the EU Regulation on Deforestation—has long been a source of uncertainty in the leather industry. This makes a recent development all the more noteworthy: cowhide leather is set to be excluded from the scope of the regulation. The rationale is clear—and hits the nail on the head. Leather is not considered a driver of deforestation, but rather a byproduct of the meat industry.

'Regional Leather' is now CORII. This transition represents more than just a renaming. What began as a clear commitment to origin has evolved into something greater: an approach that considers material not in isolation, but within the broader context of processes, systems, and responsibility.

It's finally official: Our black and undyed cowhide leather has been certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Leather Standard – Product Class I, the baby class. For us, this is not just a label, but proof that our leather products are free from harmful substances – and this is consistently, measurably, and independently tested.

In the leather industry, terms like "REACH", "PFAS", and "Bisphenols" are frequently encountered. However, many smaller brands wonder: What do these terms specifically mean for my business? Which regulations are truly on the horizon, and how can I ensure I'm not caught off guard, either legally or economically?

In recent years, a great deal has changed regarding leather. Sustainability is no longer just a 'nice-to-have' but a clear expectation for brands. At the same time, many myths and misconceptions circulate about where leather comes from, how it is produced, and the responsibilities brands have in this process.

In recent months, the EUDR, the new EU Deforestation Regulation, has been widely discussed. The term now regularly appears in specialist articles and industry discussions, often accompanied by some apprehension. It is clear that the EUDR will bring profound changes to many sectors of the agricultural and raw material industries – including the leather industry.

Does sustainability require a certificate? This question often comes up. Many people believe that only those who bear a seal are truly sustainable. However, we view this more nuanced – and state clearly: Not necessarily. For us, sustainability begins with transparency. In this blog article, we take a look at certificates and their significance.

What makes leather sustainable? How is it produced and how can one work with it responsibly?
In our workshops, we focus on one thing: genuine transparency. Because in a time when terms like 'genuine leather' or 'sustainable' are often used indiscriminately, we believe that only those who understand where leather comes from and how it is processed can make informed decisions, whether as a consumer, designer, or company.

There are materials that immediately resonate with us through their texture, scent, and presence. Leather is one such material. And while it has been used for centuries, we are now witnessing its evolving role in architecture and interior design: no longer just a decorative embellishment, but a genuine design element.

The garments and belts from MARAI are produced in a small family business in Oporto, Portugal. The sibling duo who run the workshop have been working with the utmost precision for many years – supported by two seamstresses and an elderly gentleman who handles the cutting.

Our apparel leather is a semi-aniline leather. This means it features a light pigmentation – a thin layer of color that protects the leather without obscuring its natural surface. Consequently, the surface largely retains its natural character, and the leather's pores remain open.

I only truly understood that not all leather is the same when I began to delve deeper into the material. The term 'leather' can encompass a wide range of products: from heavy, vegetable-tanned saddlery leather to delicate lamb nappa used for jackets.

Although the leather is stabilized after tanning, it still undergoes several processing steps before it acquires its final properties. Each of these steps significantly influences how flexible and durable the leather becomes.

Tanning is the essential step in leather production. It stabilizes the hide, thereby protecting it from decay and transforming it into a durable, resilient material. As early as the Stone Age, humans used various methods to preserve animal hides - …

For a raw hide to become durable leather, it must be preserved. This is because the natural decomposition process begins as soon as the hide is removed from the animal. If not properly preserved, it starts to decompose within a day. Bacteria attack the tissue, leading to putrefaction damage, …

An animal's skin reflects its life – and this is precisely what defines our leather. Animals that grow up in a natural environment and develop slowly tend to have a firmer and denser skin structure. In contrast, rapid growth in intensive farming can lead to a looser fiber structure.

A few weeks ago, I was on the road again. Together with my favorite photographer Angelika and my Fibershed DACH intern Marcia, I visited a farm in the Lucerne region. Fritz and Andrea's organic farm is home to about 40 cows and cattle, 20 sheep, chickens, and a few cats.

Hello everyone – I thought it was time again to introduce myself here. Most of you know my work, some know my face – and may already have an idea of my background.

Vegetable-tanned leather is characterized by a light, brownish color that varies depending on the tanning mixture used. The various plant extracts impart different properties to the leather, including varying color shades.

Sheep farming has a long tradition in Switzerland, particularly in the Alps and on their southern slopes. Anyone hiking in the Alps today is very likely to encounter a flock of sheep, which not only shapes the landscape but also performs important functions.