Do you value both sustainability and quality in your purchasing decisions? Then you have surely wondered how sustainable real leather actually is – especially in comparison to leather alternatives. We at Harbour 2nd produce high-quality leather goods in timeless designs and therefore know exactly how this material performs in terms of sustainability. Here, we show you why it makes sense to rely on leather.
Leather is a natural product
One of the most important aspects when it comes to the sustainability of leather is its natural origin. Leather does not need to be artificially manufactured; in the vast majority of cases, it is a byproduct of the meat industry. Instead of disposing of animal hides as waste products, they are meaningfully processed in the leather industry and preserved through the tanning process. This procedure conserves resources that would otherwise have to be used for the production of leather alternatives and the disposal of waste.
The processing of the leather is crucial
However, it is not just the fact that leather is a natural resource that matters, but also how it is processed. There are significant differences here. We therefore ensure that our leather is sourced from suppliers who comply with strict environmental requirements during tanning and who are also regularly audited.
These criteria include, for example, wastewater, environmental management, waste management, occupational safety, testing of the chemicals used for tanning, and several others. This is how we ensure that our products are impressive in terms of both the environment and the working conditions of the employees.
Tip: You can find out more about types of leather and leather production in tanneries on our blog.
The durability of leather contributes to sustainability
Arguably the greatest advantage of leather is its extremely long durability. With proper care, the material can last for many decades, allowing for an extremely long period of use. Quality is key here. That is why we exclusively use high-quality leather and top-notch manual craftsmanship for our products. For example, you will find leather bags, leather backpacks, and various leather accessories made from the best cowhide.
Unlike other materials, leather does not necessarily look worse over time or lose its aesthetic properties. Quite the opposite: high-quality leather, such as the kind we use for our products, develops an individual patina on the surface. This makes it even more interesting and ensures that bags and other items become unique pieces.
The environment also benefits from the fact that leather products can be used for a very long time. Fewer new purchases mean resource conservation, and less waste is generated. To make your leather products last even longer, proper care to protect the surface is important. Learn how to clean your leather bag on our site – many of the tips can naturally also be applied to other products.
Repairing instead of throwing away
Have you ever had scratches or tears in your leather products? Then you may know that – unlike many fabrics – these can often be repaired. On our blog, we show you exactly how to remove scratches from leather. Instead of simply disposing of damaged parts, a circular economy is created in which even old parts can continue to be used.
Real leather vs. artificial alternatives
Vegan leather made from plastics like PU leather has recently become fashionable for the production of clothing and accessories. Since no animal skin is used in the manufacturing process, they are a good alternative to real leather, especially for vegans who reject animal husbandry. But how does it fare in terms of environmental friendliness?
Generally speaking, artificially produced leather alternatives like PU do not reach the quality of real leather. This means, for example, that their lifespan is significantly shorter. They wear out faster without developing a patina and are less easy to repair when damaged.
The result is that products made from these materials often end up in the trash after a short time – and have to be replaced. There is no comparison to real leather, which can last a lifetime with good care. Added to this is the environmental impact of manufacturing from petroleum.
Tip: If you would like to avoid leather for animal welfare reasons, other materials also offer a sustainable choice. In our CityLights collection, we use recycled PET and cotton for particularly functional and sustainable bags and backpacks.
The emotional factor of leather
Have you ever noticed that it is even harder to part with your favorite leather pieces? Products made of real leather, such as our handbags or travel bags, change over time and acquire their own unique character. This makes them individual companions to which many people develop an emotional bond over time – a stark contrast to fast fashion and a throwaway mentality.
If you have an old leather product that you no longer use, you can certainly gift it or resell it instead of throwing it away. In this way, you reduce leather waste and help ensure that fewer new products are manufactured. High-quality materials like leather create awareness for the importance of quality and responsible action.
Opt for high-quality leather products
To enjoy your leather products for a long time and thus protect the environment, you should focus on the highest possible quality when making your choice. This way, you can rely on your new companion for a long time.
Feel free to browse our shop for a large selection of stylish designs that have been created in compliance with demanding environmental standards. There, you will find, for example, beautiful leather bags for men and leather bags for women.
Our assortment also includes accessories in many varieties, such as leather wallets for men and leather wallets for women, as well as leather key cases, leather mobile phone shoulder bags, and leather toiletry bags. If you have any questions about our products and their sustainability, we are happy to assist you – simply contact us directly by phone or in writing.
Frequently asked questions about sustainable leather
Here, we answer a few more questions regarding sustainability in the leather industry:
Can leather be recycled?
Yes, if leather is damaged or you no longer like a leather piece, you can have it recycled. There is classic recycling for leather – the material is shredded and re-pressed with binding agents. The recycled leather, which consists of about 60% real leather, can then be used for the manufacture of new products.
Often, however, damage can also be repaired quite easily, allowing the item to be used again afterwards. Furthermore, old leather is often used in a process called upcycling to create new and high-quality products. For example, an old bag can be turned into a beautiful phone case.
How can I use my leather products more sustainably?
It is simple: by using them for as long as possible and maintaining them well. The longer you use your products, the more waste is reduced and resources are conserved that would have been used in the purchase of a new replacement product.
What role does quality play in the sustainability of leather?
Looking at quality is crucial when you want to choose a sustainable leather product. This ensures that it remains stable for a long time and is well-crafted. This, in turn, contributes to longevity and thus to sustainability. In addition, companies that value the quality of leather often do the same with regard to their environmental standards – even if there is not necessarily a direct correlation!
