The Leather ABC:
From A for "Animal Care " to Z for "Zero Illusions."
Leather is more than just a material. It is a reflection of how we deal with resources, animals and responsibility. In our leather ABC, we show what makes sustainable, regional leather - briefly and concisely from A to Z.
From A for "Animal Care" to C for "Chrome Tanning"
Animal Care No leather without animals. But how animals are kept makes all the difference. Our hides come exclusively from cattle that are grass-fed and reared on organic or biodynamic farms - with plenty of space, grazing and a species-appropriate lifestyle.
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.
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-F: On Design, Embracing Authenticity, and Fur
Design Meets Heritage Our leather products tell stories. Each piece is a blend of origin, craftsmanship, and design. Thoughtfully regional, beautifully crafted.
Embracing Authenticity, Not Uniformity Leather with rough edges. Small scars or differences in the surface are not a flaw, but a sign of genuine nature. That is why we leave our leather untreated and do not use any coatings to hide its unique characteristics.
Fur & Meat Leather is generally a by-product of the meat industry - the hides come from animals that are primarily kept for food production. We also only process hides from the organic meat industry. In this way, the entire animal is used as completely as possible. (Exceptions are certain exotic leathers and hides from wild animals such as kangaroo, deer or stag, some of which come from hunting).
G-J: More about Gentle Tanning, Texture, and History
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.
Handcradted 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 a fashion item - it also lives on in furniture, walls, handles and room concepts. Sustainable, sensual, durable. In the blog article “Leather in Architecture”, we show you a project in which our leather was used as a cupboard handle. We love the versatility of the 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-M: On Keeping Climate in Balance, Longevity, and Minimal Waste
Keeping climate in balance Holistically grazed grasslands capture more CO₂ through rotation and pasture management than forests. Studies (for exampla by Quantis and 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 lasts for decades—and only gets more beautiful with time. A counterpoint to the throwaway culture. The MARAI label has published a great article on its blog about “natural leather and its patina".
Minimal Waste We want to make full use of the leather’s potential—including the parts that are often considered “difficult.” When we have leather processed for other brands, we ensure that as much of it as possible is utilized. We’re also happy to offer advice on design matters so we can work together to develop sustainable solutions.
P-Q: Partnership, Prices, Quality, Values that are important to us.
Partnership in Production We're not looking for clients, but for partners. For ambitious co-creative projects. Whether you’re a small label or an established studio—we look forward to exchanging ideas and finding inspiration. Check out here.
Sustainability comes at a price. Regional production means fair wages and high environmental and social standards—that’s what our products stand for. When you buy from us, you’re investing in quality, responsibility, and long-term sustainability.
Quality over quantity Less is more. Better to have a few well-made pieces with a story behind them than mass-produced items without soul.
R-U: Respectful Roots, Slow Leather, Tenderness and Unique Pieces
Respectful roots & Traceability From pasture to stitch—every step of our process is transparent and traceable. This isn’t just an empty slogan; it’s a principle we live by.
Slow Leather Just like Slow Food, Slow Leather stands for mindful, regional, and responsible leather craftsmanship—unhurried and done with passion.
Tenderness for Animals The key factor for us, a given: quality leather comes only from animals that have lived well. Period.
Unique pieces with soul Every piece of leather is different. Every product bears its own unique marks. We celebrate what makes each one special. That’s how our leather becomes one-of-a-kind pieces with soul.
V-Z: Vegetable-tanned, X-factor and Zero Illusions
Vegetable-tanned We use certified vegetable tanning agents derived from quebracho, oak, mimosa, chestnut, and tara. An ancient method that is 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: Attitude Attitude what you can’t see—but you can feel. In every product, every conversation, every decision.
Yes to origin We say yes to short distances, yes to cooperation with regional farms, yes to responsibility.
Zero illusions: real transparency over certificate. For us, sustainable leather means: It's created in harmony with people, animals, and nature – responsibly and traceably. This doesn't necessarily require a certificate. Because not everything that is sustainable carries a seal. We focus on real transparency instead of symbolism – and provide insight instead of promises
Is there a term you're unsure about, or would you like to know more?
Feel free to contact us – we look forward to a conversation! We speak openly about everything: where our leather comes from, how it is processed, and what drives us. We also offer workshops where you can learn a lot about leather production and our work. Please write to us with any questions or if you'd like to talk to us.