Unraveling Leather Myths: A Deep Dive from Milan to the Netherlands

What's Inside

Meeting Florian at Smith & Zoom Headquarters: The Perfect Setting

The Biggest Misconception: Animals Are Killed Just for Leather

The Reality: Leather Is a Valuable Upcycled Resource

Vegan Leather: A Topic for Another Episode

The Role of Animals Beyond Leather

Myth #2: Leather Production Is Toxic and Environmentally Damaging

Putting It in Perspective: Chemicals Are Everywhere

Setting the Record Straight on Water Usage

Sustainability Rooted in History

Final Thoughts: A Call for Human Sense and Balance

Recently, while walking through a leather exhibition in Milan, I bumped into an old friend, Florian — someone who shares my deep passion for leather. Our chance meeting sparked a dinner filled with intense conversations about leather, but what stood out most was the frustration we shared about the endless misconceptions swirling around this ancient material.

We realized that these misunderstandings needed to be addressed publicly — and so began this podcast series, where we dive deep into the real story behind leather, bust myths, and explore the truth with industry experts.

Meeting Florian at Smith & Zoom Headquarters: The Perfect Setting

Florian invited me to Smith & Zoom’s headquarters in the Netherlands to continue our conversation. Florian isn’t just passionate — he’s an industry veteran with decades of experience and an extensive network in the leather world. Together, we wanted to make this discussion accessible, insightful, and yes, even fun — a blend of entertainment and education for leather lovers everywhere.

The Biggest Misconception: Animals Are Killed Just for Leather

One of the most shocking revelations came from a survey conducted by Leather UK in 2022. They asked 2,000 people across the UK about their perceptions of leather and alternatives. The results were eye-opening:

• Only 24% knew leather is a byproduct of the meat and dairy industry.

• 50% believed that animals are raised and killed solely for their leather, as if there were two separate groups of animals: one for meat/dairy and one for leather.

• This misconception is not just wrong — it’s widespread.

Florian and I both agreed that this misunderstanding is largely due to the urban disconnect from nature. Most people living in cities don’t see farms, animals, or the processes behind their food and materials anymore. We buy meat in supermarkets, see leather goods in stores, but rarely think about where these materials truly come from.

The Reality: Leather Is a Valuable Upcycled Resource

Leather is what’s left over after animals are used for meat and dairy — it’s not the reason they are raised or killed. Using hides is a form of respectful upcycling. Without the leather industry, millions of tons of animal hides would go to waste, creating enormous disposal challenges.

Florian stressed that this knowledge changes the whole narrative. If people understood leather’s origin as a byproduct, their choices would likely shift. The misguided belief that leather equals cruelty fuels the rise of “vegan leather,” which, ironically, often involves synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels and chemicals that are far less eco-friendly.

Vegan Leather: A Topic for Another Episode

The term “vegan leather” is complex enough to warrant its own deep dive — but Florian hinted at the contradictions it presents. While vegan leather appeals to ethical consumers, it often masks the environmental costs hidden behind synthetic alternatives.

One clear takeaway from the survey was that everyone agreed on one thing: since the animal is killed for food, we should use every part of it — leather included. This respect for the animal is ingrained in human nature and aligns with sustainability principles.

The Role of Animals Beyond Leather

Our discussion also touched on the bigger ecological picture. Animals do more than provide nutrition; they are critical to regenerative farming practices. Grazing animals help sequester CO2 into soil, fertilize land naturally through their dung, and promote biodiversity. These age-old farming practices are now being rediscovered as essential to healing the environment — something industrial agriculture had largely forgotten.

Myth #2: Leather Production Is Toxic and Environmentally Damaging

Another widespread myth is that leather production is hugely toxic and unsustainable. While it’s true that chemicals are involved in tanning and coloring leather, the reality is far more nuanced.

Florian, with 25 years in the industry, explained that tanning methods have evolved tremendously. Today, many companies use non-toxic, compostable materials that can even enrich soil at the end of a product’s life cycle — a true circular economy in action.

The leather industry is continuously pushing to reduce its environmental footprint. Modern tanning processes minimize water use and harmful chemicals, and pigment producers are actively researching safer, biodegradable dyes.

Putting It in Perspective: Chemicals Are Everywhere

We all use chemicals daily — in our toothpaste, cleaning products, and even food additives. The presence of chemicals doesn’t automatically mean toxicity or environmental harm.

Historically, humans have used natural tanning agents from plants and animal parts to make leather — a practice that evolved with science and environmental awareness. The industry’s progress towards greener leather shows a commitment to sustainability, not the opposite.

Setting the Record Straight on Water Usage

One notorious criticism has been leather’s water footprint, with some reports dramatically inflating the amount of water needed per square meter of leather.

Fortunately, these figures have been corrected — one prominent study reduced the water usage estimates by 60%, reflecting more accurate industry data. While leather production still uses water, it’s less than commonly believed and is being managed more responsibly than ever.

Sustainability Rooted in History

Leather has been part of human civilization for thousands of years. Ancient cities like Pompeii had tanning facilities two millennia ago. The Earth naturally biodegrades leather, making it a sustainable choice over synthetic materials, which only emerged about 200 years ago and now pollute ecosystems worldwide.

This long-standing sustainability track record contrasts sharply with plastics and vegan alternatives, which have not stood the test of time or nature’s balance.

Final Thoughts: A Call for Human Sense and Balance

What Florian and I hope listeners take away from this conversation is a grounded, human perspective on leather.

• Animals are raised primarily for food, not leather.

• Leather is a natural, biodegradable, and highly durable byproduct.

• The leather industry is advancing toward safer, greener production methods.

• Misinformation leads consumers to make less sustainable choices.

• Embracing leather, with respect and awareness, is not only traditional but environmentally sensible.

We want to keep the conversation going — unpacking vegan leather myths, exploring tanning technologies, and sharing the stories behind the materials we cherish.

Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you deeper insights with industry experts, challenging myths and celebrating the rich legacy of leather.