I buy and use hides that are respectful of nature, animals, landscape, and human beings.
I'm a signatory of the Pelle Al Vegetale Consortium Manifesto. Here is the content of the Manifesto.
The Genuine Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium is based in Tuscany, along the banks of Arno river, between Florence and Pisa. The associated tanneries operate in symbiosis with the environment thanks to a production district that is cutting-edge, both in terms of technology and organization.
By joining the Consortium, tanneries agree to undergo periodic verification of compliance with the Production Regulations. The controls are entrusted to an indipendent certification body: I.CE.C – Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector.
The production process of our associated tanneries is metal-free, and it always has been, thanks to the raw materials linked to the centuries-old history of vegetable tanning. Traditional and natural products are used in a production process which respects the precepts of sustainability and circularity.
The raw hides used by our associated tanneries derive from the slaughter of cattle destined, from the outset, to the food sector and they come from European farms which comply with EU legislation on animal welfare. The associated tanneries create value from by-product of the food industry, addressing the problem of waste disposal.
The leather is tanned using natural plant - based tannins. As opposed to synthetic products, tannins come from renewable sources and are valued for their antioxidant, antibiotic and antibacterical properties.
The Tuscan Tanning District is the only district in Italy certified by EMAS (Eco - Management and Audit Scheme), a tool promoted by EU to encourage the implementation of responsible environmental strategies.
The Consortium applies the guidelines of the standard ISO 26000 and its trademark Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana puts at the center the respect for the environment and human rights, transparency and legality.