Leather is timeless
Who we are
Leather Naturally is the global voice for the leather industry, promoting the use of certified, responsibly made leather through trusted facts and genuine inspiration for consumers, designers and brands around the world.
Our educational and promotional work focuses on leathers made from hides and skins that are a by-product of the food industry. Without the expertise of skilled tanners and manufacturers, this valuable material would largely end up as waste. We believe that story deserves to be told. Leather is a natural, renewable material with a history spanning thousands of years. Oil-based synthetic materials such as PVC and polyester have often been positioned as alternatives to leather, yet they cannot replicate its durability, breathability or its credentials as a by-product of the food industry. Through efficient and modern processing techniques, responsibly made leather continues to set the benchmark that others seek to follow. Promoting sustainably made leather supports the ongoing development of best practices across the industry and contributes to a healthier circular economy. It also strengthens the dialogue between the upstream leather supply chain, manufacturers, brands and the consumers who want to make more informed choices. Whether you are a designer, a brand or simply curious about what lies behind the leather label, this website is your resource. Open to everyone. Built on facts. Get the facts. Understand leather.
Get the Truth
The leather industry is often misunderstood. Our free fact sheets cut through the noise with clear, evidence-based information about responsibly made leather, from its benefits and sustainability credentials to how it is produced and why it matters. Download your guides and get the full picture.
Benefits of Leather
By Product
Hides are a waste material from the food industry
Reduces Waste
Leather prevents hides going to landfill or incineration
Repairable
Leather is easy to repair and maintain
Recyclable
Leather can be recycled
Versatile
Leather has many varied end uses
Durable
Leather is hard wearing and long lasting
FAQ's About Leather
Leather begins as a hide or skin, most commonly from cattle, and is transformed through a process called tanning. Tanning stabilises the natural material so it becomes durable, flexible and long-lasting. Modern tanneries use carefully regulated processes to produce leather to high environmental and quality standards. The result is one of the most versatile natural materials in the world, used in everything from footwear and fashion to furniture and cars.
Leather comes from the hides and skins of animals raised for food. Around 99% of the world’s leather is a by-product of the meat and dairy industries, meaning the hide would otherwise go to waste. Rather than discarding it, skilled tanners transform it into a valuable, usable material. No animals are raised or harmed specifically for leather production.
No, and in many ways the opposite is true. Leather gives a second life to a by-product that would otherwise largely end up in landfill. It is a natural, biodegradable material that is also durable, repairable and recyclable. A well-made leather product can last decades, which is far better for the planet than fast-fashion alternatives that wear out quickly and are difficult to recycle.
‘Vegan leather’ is a marketing term, not a technical material. Legally, any product that contains no animal-derived components can be labelled as vegan, which means the term is frequently applied to synthetic plastics such as PVC and polyurethane. Most so-called vegan leathers are made from these oil-based synthetics, which do not biodegrade and are notoriously difficult to recycle at the end of their life.
In fact, a growing number of countries are now introducing legislation that prevents manufacturers from using the word ‘leather’ to describe any product that does not come from an animal hide. Choosing real leather, responsibly made as a by-product of the food industry, is often the more informed and environmentally conscious choice. By opting for the authentic material, you are supporting a circular economy and avoiding the long-term impact of microplastic pollution associated with synthetic imitations.
Yes. Leather is one of the few materials that begins as a by-product and ends as something built to last. It diverts millions of tonnes of hides from landfill every year, is produced from a natural and renewable source, and at the end of its life, it biodegrades. Unlike many synthetic materials, leather does not shed microplastics. When it is made responsibly and cared for well, leather is one of the most sustainable material choices available.
Real leather comes from animal hides, most commonly cattle, and is a natural by-product of the food industry. Fake leather, often sold under names like ‘vegan leather’, ‘faux leather’ or ‘PU leather’, is typically made from oil-based plastics. The differences go beyond origin. Real leather breathes, ages beautifully, can be repaired and lasts for decades. Most fake leathers crack, peel and end up in landfill within a few years. When you buy real leather, you are buying something made to last.
A well-made leather product can last a lifetime. Unlike synthetic materials that crack and degrade within a few years, leather strengthens and develops character with age and use. It can also be repaired, re-soled, re-stitched and restored, making it one of the most circular materials available. The longer a product lasts, the less it costs the planet. That is the leather difference.
