Eco-Friendly Leather

Our leathers are tanned without the use of harmful chemicals, like chromium, heavy metals, formaldehyde, short-chain chlorinated paraffin, volatile organic compounds or alkyl phenol ethoxylates. To verify this, the leather is tested by independent laboratories. Instead of harmful substances, vegetable tannins are used in the tanning process.

Research has shown that a significant part of the environmental impact of leather occurs in the manufacturing process. Therefore, it is not only the chemicals used in the tanning process that should determine how eco-friendly the leather is. Accordingly, water, wastewater, air emissions and energy use are responsibly managed at our tanneries.

In 2015 we won the Sustainable Leather Awards, an award that is given out to an initiative or innovative idea in the Dutch leather sector with a (indirect) positive effect on people, animals and the environment in developing countries.

We believe that using eco-friendly tanned leather is currently the most sustainable option to produce bags that can be used for a lifetime. Hides and skins are a by-product of the meat and dairy industry. Transformation into leather is the best use for those hides. Leather is a high quality material that is very durable and – unlike other materials – becomes more beautiful over time.

At O My Bag we continue to evaluate and improve our material use, and as technology develops, so do new possibilities. To accommodate our customers that chose not to purchase animal products we've been on the lookout for a durable, low impact leather alternative. After years of searching, we finally found AppleSkin™, known as Apple Leather. This is a vegan leather alternative, partly made from residual apple waste. In addition to providing a leather alternative, we are able to support innovation and development of new sustainable materials. Read our blog for more information on this vegan material here.

We believe that using eco-friendly tanned leather is currently the most sustainable option to produce bags that can be used for a lifetime. Hides and skins are a by-product of the meat and dairy industry. Transformation into leather is the best use for those hides. Leather is a high quality material that is very durable and – unlike other materials – becomes more beautiful over time.