Sustainable Leather Explained

At Latico Leathers, we're very proud of the process of responsibly sourcing the leather that goes into our bags. We offer a large selection of sustainable leather goods to suit your unique style.

Sustainable leather can be a vague term, so we wanted to provide you with a behind-the-scenes look at what exactly that means, from how we make our bags, how we source leather and the people creating our products.

Sustainable leather means that we use leather that keeps the environment top of mind, but it also means we are conscious of every aspect of the production process to make sure it's crafted with the best quality in the best ethical way- from sourcing to when you open your new Latico bag.

Sustainable leather means that the leather used is a byproduct of local farming and agriculture industries. Rather than the animals raised specifically for the purpose of using their leather for goods, they are first farm animals.

Latico's leather is sourced from local farmers in who treat their animals with care and respect. We also offer prime fair-trade prices to local farmers. Because we ethically source leather as byproduct of food animals, we aren't creating a negative environmental impact. All of Latico's products are hand made by talented artisans in South America and India so our process of creating handbags is also sustainable and responsible.

Sustainable leather means it is ethically sourced and the entire manufacturing process and production process is conducted with people and the planet in mind. So everything from sourcing materials, tanning, sewing and sending finished products out is done with sustainable consideration.

Tanneries that don’t treat leather with the planet (and people) in mind can cause serious harm. Companies may use trivalent chromium, formaldehyde, alum, and other artificial chemicals. These can let off harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) — which are toxic and can cause anything from minor irritation to mutations and cancers.

This is not just harmful to those who wear the leather products — it’s also harmful to the workers who are tanning the leathers. Plus, these chemicals and compounds are toxic to the environment.

However, sustainable leather is treated with recycled water and without harmful artificial chemicals. Plus, it’s done by hand — further lessening the environmental footprint.

This lessens the overall impact of the leather industry and each product.

Sustainable leather is great for the impact it makes on the environment, but isn't living up to its true sustainable name if the people who are crafting this leather aren't treated fairly or paid a living wage.

Truly sustainable leather means it fairly supports the people who make the products — and provides them with a sustainable means of life.

That’s why at Latico Leathers, we empower local workers in South America and India and support them to live a quality life.

Each Latico bag is handmade with love by talented artisans throughout South America and India. We're passionate about environmental sustainability and giving back — our leathers are byproducts of the meat and dairy industry that would otherwise go to waste.

Additionally, we donate 10 meals to Feeding America for every purchase made on our website. Thanks to our loyal customers, we've been able to donate 100,000 meals and counting to this incredible organization.