Is Leather Sustainable? A Maker’s Honest View

Can Leather Be Sustainable? A Maker’s Honest Perspective

There’s no denying that the word leather can stir debate. For some, it’s the epitome of quality, craftsmanship, and longevity. For others, it raises red flags about animal welfare and environmental impact. As a traditional leatherworker and educator, I often find myself in the middle of this conversation sometimes in the workshop, often online, and always with a deep sense of responsibility.

So here it is: my honest perspective. Can leather be sustainable? The answer is yes but with context, care, and conscious choices.

Not All Leather Is Created Equal

When people question whether leather is sustainable, it’s often because they’ve seen the worst of the industry: chemically tanned leather from mass production plants, cheap offcuts turned into disposable goods, or brands that prioritise trend over longevity.

But leather isn’t inherently bad. In fact, when sourced and used responsibly, it can be one of the most sustainable materials we have.

At Diamond Awl, I work almost exclusively with vegetable-tanned leather a traditional process that uses tannins from bark, leaves, and natural plant matter rather than harmful chromium salts. Veg-tan leather ages beautifully, develops character, and lasts decades when looked after. It’s not perfect, but it’s a far cry from the mass-market alternatives.

Leather as a Byproduct

Here’s something many people don’t realise: most leather, especially in the UK and Europe, is a byproduct of the meat and dairy industry. In other words, hides would otherwise be waste.

Turning that byproduct into something useful, long-lasting, and repairable is one way of reducing waste. It’s not the same as factory-farmed leather production designed solely for profit it’s about using what’s already there and giving it purpose.

That said, it’s still important to ask where your leather comes from. I source leather from reputable tanneries that have transparency in their supply chains, including suppliers like Metropolitan Leather here in the UK.

Longevity Over Landfill

One of the most sustainable things we can do is make things that last. In a world of fast fashion and throwaway culture, leather goods when properly crafted and cared for can outlast generations. Bags, belts, wallets, and cases don’t need to be replaced every few months. With the right attention, they wear in, not out.

This is why I believe traditional hand-stitching, burnishing, and edge finishing still matter. It’s not just about aesthetics it’s about durability.

And when something does go wrong? Leather can be repaired. Re-stitched. Re-oiled. Revived. That’s the slow fashion mindset we promote in our workshops.

Craft as a Conscious Act

At Diamond Awl, we teach people to make with intention. Every cut, every stitch, every rivet has meaning. There’s a different relationship with materials when you’re the one holding the knife or threading the needle. You waste less. You respect the process more.

Sustainability isn’t just about the material it’s also about the mindset. When you learn to make something by hand, you become far more aware of what goes into a product. You start to care where it came from and how long it will last. That awareness is at the heart of responsible craft.

Beyond the Bench: Repair, Reuse, Repurpose

I also encourage students and customers alike to think about leather beyond the new. Old jackets can be salvaged for small goods. A tired belt can be transformed into a strap or key fob. A worn bag can find new life with a little stitching and some beeswax.

Leather ages well it tells a story. The scratches, patina, and wear marks aren’t flaws they’re a record of life lived. That’s something no synthetic material can replicate.

So… Can Leather Be Sustainable?

Yes, it can if we:

• Choose responsibly tanned leather (like vegetable-tanned)

• Support ethical tanneries with transparent sourcing

• Make goods to last not just to sell

• Embrace repair over replacement

• Foster a mindset of conscious making and use

It’s not about perfection. It’s about doing better, one stitch at a time.

If you’re interested in learning how to work with sustainable leather, our leatherwork courses teach traditional methods that honour the material, reduce waste, and promote making with care. Come and see how craft can be both meaningful and mindful.