Leather and sustainability

As a handmade footwear brand, we at ITELE take pride in the quality and sustainability of our products. One of the materials we use in our designs is genuine leather. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between genuine leather and sustainability, and why our brand has chosen to use it in our footwear.

Firstly, it's important to understand what genuine leather is. It is a natural material made from the hide or skin of an animal. While synthetic materials are often marketed as more sustainable, they are made from petrochemicals and can take hundreds of years to decompose, while leather is a biodegradable material.

In terms of sustainability, genuine leather has several advantages. It is a durable material that can last for many years if cared for properly. This means that the footwear made from genuine leather can be worn for a long time, reducing the need to buy new shoes frequently, which ultimately reduces the environmental impact of footwear production.

Additionally, genuine leather is often a byproduct of the meat industry. This means that using the hides and skins from animals that were raised for meat reduces waste and ensures that all parts of the animal are used. Furthermore, tanning and processing leather can be done in a sustainable way, such as using natural vegetable dyes or recycled water in the tanning process.

At ITELE, we take care to source our genuine leather from reputable suppliers who follow sustainable practices. We also strive to create timeless designs that can be worn for years to come, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

While we acknowledge that some people may have concerns about the use of animal products, we believe that genuine leather can be used in a responsible and sustainable way. By carefully sourcing our materials and creating high-quality products that are built to last, we are doing our part to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

In conclusion, we believe that genuine leather is a sustainable material that can be used responsibly in the fashion industry. At ITELE, we are committed to using high-quality materials and creating products that are built to last, and we are proud to use genuine leather in our handmade footwear.