Why does Cafuné use leather?
Leather is extremely durable, its products are meant to last a few lifetimes if properly treated. This longevity is a key principle at Cafuné - we design goods that are timeless, and leather provides the durability to make them heirlooms that can pass through generations.
When it comes to the end, leather is biodegradable as animal skin is an organic, bio-based material that will decompose eventually.
What is sustainable leather?
Sustainable leather is made with considerations on three key areas:
i) the treatment of animals
ii) chemicals used and released during processing
iii) treatment of waste during production
In sum, a sustainable manufacturer should fully understand the social and environmental impact during a production cycle, and work to minimise these impact.
How is Cafuné's leather sustainable?
Sourcing from a “Gold Rated” tannery that is audited by Leather Working Group, the world's leading leather sustainability organisation, it is guaranteed that our leather is made in compliance with stringent environmental requirements. They are made with significantly less resources, produce less emissions and have a minimal impact when compared to traditional tanneries.
100% traceability
With complete control over the production process - from raw hides, to chemical used, up until the finished product - 100% traceability is safeguarded for our leather. This is important on the quality of the material, and also protects consumers' health and the environment.
Restrictions on chemical
Did you know that 30 to 40% of the weight of leather is chemical? Our leather complies with EU’s REACH guideline, ensuring that no harmful chemicals (including chromium VI) are used.
Emission management
Large amount of water is used in leather production (during liming, tanning and in dyeing drums). At our tannery, waste water is sent to a treatment plant to undergo purification, where 97-99% of water are purified to levels that are not harmful to the environment.
On the other hand, leather finishing (skin grinding, colour spraying) causes atmospheric emissions of powder and volatile organic substances. These emissions are discharged through advanced filters and dust collectors to ensure compliance with legal limits.
Waste management
90% of by-products and other waste from leather processing, such as fleshings, hair, leather trimming scraps and shaving powders, are sent for reuse by the industrial, agricultural or breeding sectors.
Does Cafuné only use sustainable leather?
Whilst the majority of our leather is sustainable, we also source from tanneries that have more specialised offerings. Usually at a smaller scale, some family-run for generations, they may not dedicate as much resources in sustainable practices or obtaining certifications.
It is down to us to take the time to learn about each supplier’s manufacturing process, and make an informed decision based on traceability, emissions, waste management and overall impact to the environment.
We are also committing to sourcing only from suppliers certified by the Leather Working Group from 2022 onwards.