While we understand the issues with adding leather to a category of eco-friendly sofas, we have decided to include several options, with the caveat that our clients should consider ecological concerns when it comes to using hides. Leather will outlast almost any other choice for a covering, although perhaps a sturdy mohair comes close in longevity. Selecting a covering that will not require reupholstering or dry-cleaning can certainly be seen as a greener option, and considering that most hides are a by-product of the meat industry, the use of leather in upholstery diverts these hides from being wasted. The ability to remove dust also serves those with allergies or environmental sensitivities.
Leather is one of the oldest, most durable materials known to man. Some characteristics of leather material as whole:
It is extremely strong due to its 3-dimensional fiber weave structure, is resistant to tearing, and it takes more than 200 pounds of pressure to puncture leather-covered furniture.
Most experts give leather an average life of four times that of textile products.
By its nature, leather is not flammable. It is the only material that meets the high standards required by the FAA for airline seating without the addition of further flame resistant products.
Leather does not cause allergies. All dust particles can be eliminated from leather, making it suitable for those people allergic to dust.
Because it is a natural substance, leather breathes. Similar to a human's skin, it maintains the temperature of the room and is porous, allowing it to absorb and evacuate moisture from its surface, as well as to allow air to move freely through it while vinyl and synthetic-back fabrics can trap air.
Leather molds to a form, but will not stretch out of shape. Like a favourite pair of jeans, it conforms to the body shape and becomes more comfortable with each use. Only leather ages so gracefully, becoming more supple and beautiful throughout years of use.
Leather is the easiest type of furniture to care for. It needs only occasional dusting/vacuuming.
CTL Leathers offers gorgeous options in aniline and semi-aniline articles, with a wide range of finishes and pricing, including rich waxy pull-up leathers, clear modern finishes and designer colours.
Inter-Leather works exclusively with tanneries that meet or exceed legislated environmental requirements. These tanneries are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and continue to pursue further enhancements to their own sustainability programs.
Carrying a full range of articles with gorgeous colours and finishes, Inter-Leather is another option to consider for your furnishings. Their Eco leather is Blue Angel certified, and all tanneries must comply with their sustainability requirements.
Green Hides believes that all leather, as the fabric of nature, should exist in complete harmony with and respect for the earth and its natural eco-systems. Yet EcoLife™, developed specifically by Green Hides, raises that standard. The collection meets ambitious goals for, for example, chrome-free tanning, solvent-free finishing - and even avoids salt treatments and conserves water by using the freshest hides. One of the few truly environmentally friendly leathers in the world, EcoLife also outperforms the competition, meeting the highest technical specifications in fashion-forward, hospitality colors. With EcoLife, true life cycle design lasts a lifetime.