Sustainability focus: Recycled leather

March 21, 2024 by Weavabel

As fashion consumers become more eco-aware, we've seen a significant shift towards sustainable materials to help reduce the impact on the environment. Leather has long been under the microscope due to its animal origin. However, synthetic alternatives such as PU can often be inferior in quality.

That's where recycled leather comes in. Produced using by-products and consumer waste, recycled leather is one initiative attempting to close the loop on fashion waste. So, what exactly is it? How is it made? And how can it be of use to you? We take a look.

• Where does recycled leather come from?
• How is recycled leather produced?
• What are the pros and cons of recycled leather?
• How can you incorporate recycled leather into your branding projects?
• Recycled leather is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to innovative materials

Where does recycled leather come from?

Recycled leather uses waste leather, whether as a by-product from the leather tanning industry, fashion production or post-consumer waste. Although it's a natural product, virgin leather is produced using chemicals, which can be dangerous to the environment when decomposing.

That's why it's essential to consider how leather waste can be transformed into new products and returned to the supply chain, encouraging a circular economy with minimal waste.

Where does recycled leather come from?