The tanning industry is often the subject of misinformation and false myths that obscure its craftsmanship value, its commitment to sustainability and its fundamental role in the circular economy. At Conceria Bello, we believe in the importance of providing clarity, debunking some of the most widespread fake news about the world of leather.
Contents
- ‘Animals are killed to make leather’ – False
- ‘Leather comes from animals that have been exploited’ – False
- ‘Synthetic leather is more resistant than natural leather’ – False
- ‘Leather processing produces a lot of waste’ – False
- ‘Vegan leather has the same characteristics as natural leather’ – False
- Conceria Bello: quality, innovation and sustainability
'Animals are killed to make leather' - False
One of the most common misconceptions is that the leather industry is directly responsible for the killing of animals. In reality, the skin comes from animals slaughtered for food, such as cows, pigs, sheep and goats, which are mainly reared for meat production. The skin is nothing more than a by-product of the food industry, which would otherwise be disposed of as waste. The use of leather therefore reduces waste, promoting a virtuous model of circular economy.
‘Leather comes from animals that have been exploited’ - False
Another misconception concerns the condition of the animals from which the leather comes. The truth is that the better the animal’s welfare, the better the quality of the hide. Damage caused by parasites such as mites and lice, dung contamination and accidental injuries reduce the value of the hide, making it cost-effective for farmers to ensure optimal conditions for the animals. Furthermore, careful handling of transport and slaughter minimises scars and scratches, further improving the quality of the raw material.
'Synthetic leather is more resistant than natural leather' - False
Many people think that synthetic leather is more durable than natural leather, but the reality is the opposite. A genuine leather product can last for decades, whereas synthetics tend to deteriorate more quickly. In the case of bags, shoes or sofas made of genuine leather, it is not the material itself that wears out over time, but secondary components such as zips or seams, which can be easily repaired. In contrast, synthetic leather, being composed of plastic materials, degrades with wear, losing elasticity and crumbling. In addition, the longevity of natural leather contributes to sustainability: fewer replacements mean less resource consumption in the long term.
‘Leather processing produces a lot of waste’ - False
The modern tanning industry has made enormous progress in terms of sustainable resource management. Today, most tanneries use advanced equipment to minimise waste and reuse by-products of the production process. Moreover, the leather itself is a renewable and biodegradable resource, sourced from a natural biological source and processed according to safe procedures. The result is a high quality product that respects the environment and reduces the ecological impact of the fashion industry.
'Vegan leather has the same characteristics as natural leather' - False
The term “vegan leather” can be misleading, as these materials are not always of vegetable origin, but often derive from petroleum. Many vegan alternatives are in fact made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU) and synthetic polymers, i.e. highly polluting plastics. Genuine leather, on the other hand, is breathable, strong, durable and above all compostable. A leather product can decompose in a few weeks, leaving only 1% residue from surface treatments, which is the ultimate challenge to make it completely biodegradable. The difference between genuine leather and synthetic alternatives is therefore clear: while the former is natural and sustainable, the latter often have a greater environmental impact due to their plastic composition and lower durability.
Conceria Bello: quality, innovation and sustainability
At Conceria Bello, we are committed to producing leather of excellence, respecting the environment and enhancing an ethical and transparent supply chain. By investing in eco-friendly technologies and adopting strict standards, we continue to prove that the tanning industry can be sustainable without compromising on quality.
