How We Tan Our Organic Leather
Our goatskins and cattle hides are processed into leather at the Renz Tannery in Southern Germany. This family-owned business has operated since 1888 and has always specialised in vegetable tanning.
Instead of using the environmentally harmful chemicals (aldehydes and chromium) that are common today, the tanning is carried out with plant extracts from different types of wood, bark, and tree fruits – all of which are renewable raw materials. Tannins, a substance stored by plants to protect them from predators, are the active agents in vegetable tanning. The concentration of tannins varies depending on the plant – as does the effect. This determines the characteristics of the finished leather.
Vegetable tanning is one of the world’s oldest tanning methods, established more than 5,000 years ago. Today, only about 10% of all leather is tanned using this process because mineral tanning is much more cost-effective.
However, for our organic leather which we use for bags and accessories, vegetable tanning is the only option. While it takes a little longer, the process is gentler and results in a more durable, refined leather. In our view, this is the right, sustainable choice!
Our leather is open-pored, breathable, and gentle on the skin. This also makes it perfect for people with allergies. We make sure to preserve the leather in its purest form: Instead of covering up natural features, we celebrate the uniqueness of each piece. Small traces of nature remain visible, making each piece one of a kind. Over time, the leather develops a unique patina that continues to tell the story of the wearer.
How We Tan Our Garment Leather
For our garment leathers, we collaborate with a traditional tannery in northeastern Portugal that specializes in small animal skins like goat and sheep. Now led by Pedro and his brother, the tannery is renowned for producing premium leathers for prestigious brands committed to quality, regional sourcing, and sustainability.
The family business employs chrome-free tanning methods and completely avoids heavy metals. This results in environmentally friendly, skin-safe, and lightweight leather, ideal for clothing. The leather is not only refined but also exceptionally tough and durable. It remains breathable and, with its fine finish, offers protection against moisture and wear while preserving the body's natural temperature regulation.
How We Tan Our Sheepskins
Our sheepskins are tanned at the Neuenschwander sheepskin tannery in Emmental. It is one of the last of its kind in Switzerland. In a gentle and environmentally friendly processing, raw hides are turned into high-quality skins.
First, the skins are soaked in 35 degree water for one day. Then fat, meat residues and dirt are removed. The following pickling allows the tannins to be absorbed evenly. The tanning is purely vegetable based on mimosa, an acacia plant, which gives the leather a brownish hue. The result is a natural product of unique quality.
No two hides are alike. Like every animal, every hide is unique. Whether white, dark brown, reddish brown, grey, mixed or patterned, short or long wool: we leave the hides as they are.
Sheepskins have wonderful properties: they are highly breathable and moisture regulating, they promote sleep and blood circulation. But above all they are cuddly soft, keeping you cool in summer and warming you in winter.
