Vegetable-tanned leather production and care

Vegetable-tanned leather embodies the experience of our life. It matures over time, a rare material that actually improves with age and use. It is precisely these changes and personalization that testify to the naturalness of the product. The innate colors of the tannins  give warm tones to the leather, which tend to intensify with the passage of time and daily use.

Choosing a product made of Tuscan Vegetable-Tanned Leather means choosing a one-of-a-kind object that uniquely reflects the owner’s values and lifestyle.

No leather is exactly the same as any other, its intrinsic characteristics offer a wide range of possible interpretations in shape and design. Designers find a material capable of adding value to their project, consumers find a product which transcends fast fashion and trends, gaining value with the passing of time.

• No animal is killed for its skin. On the contrary, the raw hides used by  tanneries are the discarded by-products of the food industry producing meat for human consumption  which otherwise would have notable environmental impact in their disposal.

• Starting with a natural and renewable material, tanned with natural tannins, a vegetable-tanned leather object can biodegrade at the end of its lifecycle, thanks to its chemical-biological characteristics.

• Many of the substances used during the tanning process are recovered, recycled, and reused in different fields. 

• Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather, recognizable by its trademark, does not contain any toxic substances such as azo-dyes, nickel, PCP or chrome VI, harmful not only to man but also to the environment.

Please follow the care instructions for your cowhide leather item in order to keep it as good as new for a long long time! As we all know, leather was once a living, breathing skin, maintained by the natural oils produced by the animal. Once tanned, in order to keep the leather in good condition, the natural oils need to be maintained artificially. So, caring for leather is generally a case of cleaning, feeding and protecting it, just by doing simple things as:

Cleaning

Any dirt should be wiped off immediately using a cloth and clean water. Do not use any chemicals such as spot cleaners. Before you buy any cleaner or feed detergent, read the instructions carefully and avoid anything that contains petroleum or mineral oils as these can damage the leather over a period of time. Also avoid any that leaves a tacky residue on the surface, as this will attract dirt. Some products also tend to react with leather paints.

A stain must be cleaned up immediately, soaking it up with a paper towel or cloth. Do not rub too hard. Dab the area, as wiping may spread the spillage causing damage over a wider area. Do not use saddle soap. It is important not to soak the leather surface.

Generally leather should be cleaned using clean warm water. Wet a cloth –micro fibre cloths works well- and wring it out thoroughly so the cloth is damp. Wipe over the surface using circular motions.  Wipe over again with a dry soft cloth.

Feeding

Leather feeds contain combinations of oils, wax, lanoline or fats. Apply the feed in accordance with the instructions or with a soft cloth working across the surface in small circles-this generates friction, which helps the feed penetrate into the leather fibres. Time should then be allowed for the feed to soak into the leather before buffing it off.

Attention, even though the leather oils are great for softening leather quickly and restoring the suppleness of old dry leather, using them too much causes two problems.  Fibres  swell and make the leather more prone to stretching. Also leather absorbs moisture from its surroundings and too much oil will stop the leather breathing, which prevents the moisture from escaping. Over time, this could rot the leather and the stitching.

Protection-storing

 Leather should be kept away from excessive heat as this can dry out the oils, causing the fibre structure to become brittle and the grain to crack. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, can have the same effect and in addition, cause the dye to fade.

Never store leather in plastic as this encourages the growth of mildew and bacteria which will ruin the item. Store in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. If it is necessary to store it in a bag, ensure that it is made of a breathable material.

Finally, keep in mind that, it is extremely important to get the product that matches the type of leather.

     Thank you very much,

                                theBugsoftheBags