Vegetable Tanning
Vegetable tanned leather is made using a special process that uses the power of natural tannins.
These are found in organic materials to add a unique look and feel to the animal hide.
Vegetable-tanned leather is made by soaking the hide in a mixture of water and tannins, which interact with the proteins in the skin to create a durable, flexible material.
This type of leather is often used for high-end products such as wallets, handbags, and duffles because it is more expensive and time-consuming to produce than other types of leather.
However, many people believe that the unique properties of vegetable-tanned leather make it worth the extra cost.
Vegetable-tanned leather has a naturally soft and supple feel, and it develops a beautiful patina over time.
In addition, it is less likely to suffer from water damage or discoloration than other types of leather.
As a result, vegetable-tanned leather is an excellent choice for people who want their products to look better with age.
Vegetable Tanned Leather vs Chrome Tanned Leather
| Vegetable Tanning | Chrome Tanning | |
| % of Leather | 10% | 90% |
| Scent | Sweet, woody and rich aroma | Often has a chemical smell |
| Feel | Stiff when first tanned, but softens with age | Soft |
| Ingredients | Materials such as bark and leaves | Chemicals |
| Environmental | Biodegradable | Damages the environment |
| Production time | 35-65 days | 1-3 days |
| Production | Requires skilled artisans | Mass produced in China |
| Pricing | Expensive | Cheap |
| Aging | Rich patina which improves with age | Un-natural look |
Is vegetable tanned leather real leather?
The main way to make vegetable tanned leather is by using natural materials like tree bark and leaves. The process starts with soaking the hides in water mixed with various sugars or other substances that contain molecules called polyphenols – these types of plants don’t grow on purpose but they’re still used for making our shoes more comfortable!
Is vegetable tanned leather better?
The most important advantage of vegetable tanning is that it can produce a thicker and more hearty leather than straight chrome tanners. This means the bags maintain their shape better as they get older, developing an attractive patina over time with use!
What is vegetable leather made of?
Leather that is vegetable-tanned gets its color and durability from plants such as oak, spruce bark or quebracho tree roots. These substances are placed in a pit along with animal skins which have been tilled under before being left to dry out for many months until they’re ready!
The final product has an appearance similar but not quite like human leather because it’s also often treated using chemicals so people who want their products looking realistic will probably prefer this type over others.
Why is vegetable tanned leather expensive?
The tanning process for vegetable-tanned leather can take up to 28 times longer than its cheaper counterpart which is one of the reasons why this type makes up only 10% on average today. Leather that is vegetable-tanned has longer production times and requires more skill from the tanner. It’s due to this longer process that it costs about three times as much.
What does vegetable tanned leather smell like?
Vegetable tanned Leather has a distinctive aroma that is sweet, woody and rich. The natural tanning process leaves unique variations in shade or color for each piece of leather due to different types used during production
Is vegetable leather vegan?
Vegetable leather and vegan leather are two completely different things, vegetable leather is the process of tanning and vegan leather isn’t real leather.
Is Veg tan leather toxic?
Tanned leather is often seen as an elegant alternative to the more modern and common synthetic alternatives. It may take two months for vegetable tannage, but this process uses no harmful chemicals so it’s environmentally friendly!
Is vegetable tanned leather biodegradable?
The natural tanning process using vegetable extracts from tree bark produces a durable leather that biodegrades after use.
How does vegetable tanned leather age?
Natural vegetable tanned leather will wear in accordance with your lifestyle. As it is exposed to air, light and other environmental factors like oil from skin or water everyday use develops a rich color over time as well! Vegetable tanned leather gets better with age.
What percentage of leather is vegetable tanned?
The process of vegetable tanning has been around for centuries and it’s one the oldest methods known to man. However, less than 10% global leather is produced using this technique today.
We’re proud to be a part of that 10%.
The rich, dark color of leather that has been vegetable tanned is perfect for making bags. It’s this extra thickness provides more body and creates a vintage character – just what you want in your favorite travel bag!
The process of vegetable tanning makes a material rich and gives it a unique quality over time. A result of this process is producing several unique and vibrant colors, ranging from green to brown bags and black.