What Is Vegetable-Tanned Leather?

Vegetable-tanning simply refers to the way in which cowhides are dyed. However, specifically, it means using natural extracts from parts of plants that are rich in tannin to imbue the leather with a rich tone. Bark extracts are used such as from the chestnut, quebracho and mimosa tree to naturally dye the leather. This results in a warm, rich finish that celebrates the beauty of the leather’s grain.

As this is a natural process, vegetable-tanned leather is environmentally-friendly. Totally devoid of toxic chemicals, it differs from the far more common chrome tanning process. In fact, as proud members of The Genuine Italian Vegetable-Tanned Leather Consortium, we conserve the vegetable-tanning heritage. The role of the Consortium is to protect trademarked vegetable-tanned leather from containing any toxic substances such as azo-dyes, nickel, Pentachlorophenol (PCP) or chrome VI. Moreover, it also ensures that many of the substances used in the tanning process are “recovered, recycled and reused.” Understandably then Vogue recently described vegetable-tanning as “a step in the right direction towards more eco-aware manufacturing.”

Furthermore, vegetable-tanning leather absorbs the traces of our life. It is highly durable and as such, will last for decades. Plus, as vegetable-tanned leather has chemical-biological characteristics, the object can be easily disposed of at the end of its long life. This is sustainable, considered and long-standing production.

This traditional process then requires care and attention, combined with an abundance of patience and pride. After all, from start to finish, vegetable-tanning can take up to 40 days. It is, therefore, a way of life for many in Italy. It is a skill that has been passed down through the generations. As a matter of fact, vegetable-tanning is so vital to Italian life that a tannery was even uncovered amid the ruins of Pompeii. It was buried during the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, later to be unearthed in the 19th Century near the town’s main southern entrance, the Stabiae Gate. Nowadays, our cowhides are tanned by those who take great pride in their work and craft. Ultimately, our 25 year warranty is an honest reflection of this skill and the premium leather that we source from the Santa Croce sull’Arno region of Tuscany. Our artisans embody heritage, quality and workmanship.

Discover more about our 25 year guarantee here >

Definition: Patina • /ˈpatɪnə/

A soft sheen that develops through use and exposure on the surface of the material which provides a character, a personality, to the product.

As vegetable-tanned leather is not chemically sealed it will develop a highly-desirable sheen with use and wear. This is a celebration of the natural ageing process and the hallmark of the finest quality leather. It is also completely unique to you with the patina mapping your many adventures over the years. This is because the patina that emerges is different depending on the exposure of the leather. For example, rain and sea water will leave splash marks, the natural oils from your hands will cause dark patches, and sunlight and heat will emphasises the golden tones of the leather. It is the beauty of natural vegetable-tanned leather.