Luxury leather products always lead the avant grade offashion compromising with the traditional craftsmanship. Leather is created bytanning hides and skins of animals; primarily cattle hide. Generally tanning ofleather involves using heavy metals like chrome which is later on discharged nthe rivers near the tanneries polluting the water and soil causing hazardousintoxications to the human beings, and environment around. Ecological leather isthe most advanced in respect to environmental protection. It is chrome freeleather tanned using only organic compounds.

 

Ecological leather is still the same leather, but ismanufactured driven by the conviction of controlling the green house effect asa major ecological issue with less or no impact to the environment. All thematerials used in the tanning and finishing process are fully biodegradable. Itis manufactured by using alternative and renewable sources of energy,equipment, and chemicals applying the latest technology in leathermanufacturing. The leather surface is treated with pigments, and coats tocondition its softness, color, gloss, and touch. The finishing process includesembossing to impress a design and give a character to the end productmanufactured.

 

Leather goods are now no longer restricted to jackets,coats, belts and boots. Many other fashion accessories are also manufacturedwith leather attracting a lot of attention in the market. Due to theirdurability and high glam quotient, fashaionistas feel it is essential to have aleather jacket or boots. Designer leather items are hitting the runways andramp shows in a big way. They give better value for money in the long run. Variousproducts such as trench coats, halters, bags, handbags, and upholstery can bemanufactured using the eco friendly leather.

 

Mr. Burak Celet, General Manager of the Turkey basedDESA, in an exclusive interview with &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1828)%>" target="_blank">Fibre2Fashionexpresses his views about the global leather industry. He says, "We areconvinced that the leather apparel business is a global business. However, itis a challenge to present it as a standalone retail concept. Therefore, we deemit to be necessary to have complimentary products in the range in order tominimize the seasonality effect".

 

Mr. Celet also observes the current trends in leather. Hestates that eco-leather would make an entry into the market in a big way. Heremarks, "The current fashion trend in leather apparel industry is towardsmore natural and casual looks. Another upcoming trend is the ecologicalleather, which has a potential to become a major opportunity for manytanneries, if the industry manages to set international criteria defining thisproduct range".

 

Synthetic blends of leather products will lower theproduction costs. But they are likely to cause ecological damage as most ofthem are not biodegradable. Ecological leather focuses on the tanning process, andhence these products enhance the skin with beautiful textures, and finishes.

 

Leather is now considered as a symbol of luxury and fashion,and has engraved a niche for itself in the fashion industry. Ecological leatherprovides the market with products that posses high demand performance, and alsominimizes the ecological footprint during the manufacturing process.

 

References:

 

  1. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1828)%>" target="_blank">http://www.ecological-leather.com
  2. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1828)%>" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org
  3. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1828)%>" target="_blank">http://www.buzzle.com/