Leather, a pioneer in recycling.
If we consider that it substitutes new material, leather is probably the best example. Let's not forget that it is originally the repurposing of waste that talented human hands have tanned, transformed, and then shaped. The hides used in leather tanning come from animals raised for their meat, if we exclude, of course, the question of exotic leathers (crocodiles, snakes, etc.)
Prioritizing production and processing in France
The first argument often made against leather is its ecological impact. It is true that tanning, especially with chrome, requires great rigor in wastewater treatment to limit its negative environmental consequences. But as in many areas, it is low-end leathers, largely from Southeast Asia, that are costly to the environment. We are fortunate to have the entire industry in France (in the Tarn, Drôme, or Var, for example), from farming to manufacturing. French regulations are extremely strict, limiting environmental impact: wastewater and waste recycling, local sourcing, largely sustainable farming, etc. The key, therefore, is to choose your leather and its origin carefully.
Durability and ethics, leather is tough.
When referring to the ecological footprint of leather, we often forget to relate it to its lifespan. This essential component fundamentally changes our perception of this natural material. A quality leather accessory, regularly maintained develops a patina over time and beautifully endures for generations! Few other materials can boast such longevity.
When it comes to ethics, leather is sometimes singled out. Yet, unlike fur, no cow, goat, or sheep is raised for its skin. Boycotting leather therefore not only has no impact but implies producing an alternative material, which is necessarily energy-intensive. The demand for quality hides for luxury products — the famous full-grain leathers we use at Bandit Manchot — encourages better consideration of animal welfare, for various reasons. Only 20% of hides are of sufficient quality to be transformed into full-grain leathers; the rest are too marked by various defects. Since our creation in 2010, at Bandit Manchot, we have decided to go even further and recognized that the fight against waste was a real challenge for our industry. We use exceptional, upcycled leathers in our collections, meaning leathers from prestigious houses that were not used in the production phase.
