How is leather tanned?

Leather tanning is a centuries-old process that transforms raw animal hides into durable and versatile material. Since tanning preserves the hides while imparting desired characteristics like flexibility, strength, and resistance, it’s the perfect method for creating leather clothing, shoes, and accessories built to withstand the test of time. Since the process is complex, it’s best to explain this timeless tradition by unveiling the intricate artistry in more detail.

What is vegetable tanning?

In vegetable tanning, natural tannins found in plant matter, such as oak, chestnut, and hemlock, are used to accentuate color within the chosen material. This is a common process when manufacturing a bomber leather jacket and other types of designer menswear. The process is slower compared to other methods, taking several weeks to months. The hides are soaked in tannin-rich solution, allowing the tannins to bind to the collagen fibers in the hide. This results in a sturdy and stiff leather with a distinct, earthy aroma. 

What is chrome tanning?

Chrome tanning is a much faster and more widely used method of tanning method. It employs the use of chromium salts to tan hides, which drastically reduces the tanning time to a matter of hours versus weeks to months. The process involves placing the hides into a drum filled with solution containing the chromium salts. Since the chromium forms stable complexes with the collagen fibers, resulting in a soft, pliable, and water-resistant leather, it’s a great way to tan leather material that is to be turned into items like shoes or handbags.  

What happens beyond the tanning process?

From hide to designer bomber leather jacket, the tanning process typically involves several stages beyond the tanning agent application. After tanning, the leather is treated with additional chemicals to adjust its properties, like pH balancing and dying. Once the desired color and characteristics are achieved, the leather undergoes processes such as conditioning, buffing, and polishing to enhance its appearance and feel. 

Is leather tanning eco-friendly?

Leather tanning goes back to ancient traditions that promote using the entirety of the animal so that nothing goes to waste. In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in more sustainable tanning methods, like using plant-based technology to minimize ecological consequences. That said, it’s challenging for tanners to prioritize the environment. Since chrome tanning generates wastewater with harmful chemicals that require proper treatment before disposal and vegetable tanning demands significant water usage due to prolonged soaking periods, the industry still has a long way to go to reduce its environmental impact. 

Do you purchase leather materials tanned that have undergone the vegetable process or the chrome process? Drop a comment below to share.