Fabrics & Textiles

Leather

Durable and timeless when ethically sourced

Genuine leather is extremely durable and can last decades, making it a sustainable choice when ethically sourced or purchased secondhand. Vegetable-tanned leather avoids the toxic chromium used in conventional tanning. Avoid synthetic "pleather" (often PVC), which is petroleum-based and contains phthalates.

Sustainability benefits

  • Extremely durable — can last decades
  • Biodegradable (vegetable-tanned)
  • Ages well and can be repaired
  • Byproduct of existing meat industry

Drawbacks to consider

  • Chrome-tanned leather uses toxic chemicals
  • Animal welfare and land use concerns
  • Energy-intensive tanning process

What to look for

Choose vegetable-tanned leather over chrome-tanned. Secondhand leather is the most sustainable option. Avoid synthetic pleather/PVC — it's petroleum-based and non-biodegradable.