Better for us and the planet

Give back leather its crown

In recent years, there has been an explosion of leather surrogates, often made from seemingly unthinkable sources, such as mushroom and pineapple. Even though they claim to be better alternatives to real leather, the sustainability of these materials is highly questionable since they often contain petroleum. Ultimately, the lasting beauty, elegance, feel, and recognizable quality of leather remain unrivaled.

Making leather a fully biocircular material can give it back its crown as the choice material for fashion, automotive and interior design to come. Like all quality leathers, Ecotan articles used for uppers, linings, insoles, bags, car seats, furniture, and accessories perform better than synthetics. They are more durable and comfortable than man-made materials.

Ecotan, fit for rebirth

One major challenge to our modern society is to reduce our dependence on fossil resources. Products based on sustainable biomass are now regarded as indispensable components of a resource-saving circular economy. Thanks to a combination of TOC analysis (Total Organic Carbon) and 14C quantification, we can now scientifically trace the amount of modern carbon (containing 14C) - as opposed to fossil organic carbon - found inside materials such as leather and its alternatives. The biobased carbon content in Ecotan leather reached as high as 96% according to recent testing and certifications, while vegan alternatives are composed almost entirely of fossil fuel based carbon.

Ecotan leather can be confidently used in manifold applications

In today’s industries, materials may be rapidly stretched, heated, attached with adhesives, even set into high temperature molds. Cycle time and product consistency define most shoemaking today. Established tests and minimum standards for a range of key physical requirements are used to gauge a leather article’s suitability. Ecotan leathers are engineered to meet these standards and to satisfy the demanding standards of contemporary footwear and leathergoods industries, delivering sustainability and performance in the same package.

Product range expression

We make them natural

Ecotan leathers from a variety of hides (bovine, goat and lamb) are available as full grains, corrected grains, nubucks, suedes, small skins, and linings. This range includes ‘classics’ like distressed ‘crazy horse’, pull-up, calf, floater, split suedes, nappas, embossed leathers, white leathers, and aniline to semi-aniline full grains. These leathers come in a full spectrum of commercial colors, including saturated blacks, light pastels and white tones. Ecotan leather can be readily supplied globally for immediate adoption.

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Health benefits

Dry

Ecotan leather not only breathes but actively absorbs, then wicks perspiration moisture away from our skin. The technical term for this is Evapo-Transpirative.

Healthy

Unlike unperspiring synthetic materials, leather tanned with natural tannins ensures the healthy microbiome of our skin by creating an unsuitable environment for the bacteria responsible for bad odors.

Comfortable

Not clammy and not sweaty: whether it's a pair of shoes, the steering wheel or a car seat, or an armchair, Ecotan leather always ensures a long-lasting comfortable experience.

Leather collections