Leather in its original type is a very high quality natural material. For our bags and accessories we use cowhide from Germany. It is vegetable-tanned and certified by IVN (International Association of Natural Textile Industry) as natural leather - one of the most strictly controlled seals in the world.
Our leather is sustainably tanned on a vegetable basis. This protects the environment and leaves no toxins behind. From the husbandry of the animals, through the manufacturing process, to the waste products, the ethical and ecological compatibility is monitored in its entirety:
All raw hides come certified from Germany - as a waste product of the meat and dairy industry. 10% of them come from organic farms. Our producer and we are striving to increase the share of this.
To ensure that the tanning process is sustainable, renewable raw materials from plants such as oak, rhubarb or the tara tree are used.
The leather is dyed with synthetic substances that are tested for their environmental compatibility. For example, it is made sure that no heavy metals are used.
The surface treatment does not use plastics (PVC and PU), acrylates, synthetic rubbers and silicone compounds.
Likewise, no toxic substances such as chromium salts, biocides, heavy metals or plasticizers are used in the entire process.
The water required is recycled and added to the normal cycle.
At the same time, it offers a natural feel and patina. To ensure the high quality, our natural leather is continuously subjected to independent controls.
We all have that one little scar with which we can tell a story. The great thing about our natural leather is that it does not want to hide its origins. Scars from sharp-edged plants or borders, growth marks, insect bites and minor injuries from rank fights tell something about the history and quality of life of an animal.
The conventional industry tries to conceal this - often with a thin layer of plastic. But not with our natural leather. Here you consciously choose a piece of fashion that does not want to hide its origin. We let these characteristics flow into our minimalist design. The patina of each bag is different, making it unique and telling its own story.
There are a lot of interesting new materials on the market that include apple, pineapple, coffee, mushroom and other natural fibers. We do not shy away from them, but they have to be able to keep up with the wonderful and long-lasting properties of leather. Some projects are still in the development phase and not ready for the market, others have simply not convinced us of the quality. And then there is artificial leather, which is marketed as vegan and animal-free, but for which plastic (polyurethane PU and PVC) is used. For us, this is the opposite of a sustainable and forward-looking option.
Nevertheless, if we want to stop climate change, we need to drastically reduce the consumption of animal products. We advocate for more conscious consumption and ethically just husbandry of farm animals. But research is also on the right track. There are some exciting, purely plant-based and naturally degradable approaches. It will still take a little while before these are a real option for us.
With a little love, your bag will last a lifetime - Our leather ages gently over time, colors change naturally and darken. Each piece develops a distinct and unique character. Here are a few tips on how to make your bag last.
Your bag will not need much care for the first few years. An occasional wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth is enough to remove dust and light dirt from the leather. Depending on the use, you can use a refresher. This should not be aggressive. The use of chemical detergents will harm the leather. Likewise, too frequent use of leather care products is more detrimental than beneficial. It is important that you test your product on a non-visible area.
Over time, your bag is bound to get some stains. It is important that you do NOT rub the spot. This could damage the skin and leave an unsightly mark.
Scratches can usually be removed by applying light pressure with your finger. Due to the open-pored, natural surface and other environmental influences (touch, light), most stains fade after a while and form a patina that makes your bag even more unique.
Ink, jeans, grease and oil stains are usually not removable and should be left alone or taken to a professional cleaner.
The pores of uncoated natural leather are open and breathable. This means that they are not water repellent, but the bag will naturally "grease up". The advantage of this is that you practically do not have to freshen up the leather in the first few years. Please remember that most waterproofing sprays are toxic. Using them would seal the surface structure and destroy its properties. If you do not want to do without it, we recommend buying PFC-free products, e.g.: Simprax Shoe Impregnation. This spray is GOTS certified and can even be used indoors. Please spray the product on a cotton cloth and start to work it in carefully on a concealed area. Please note: All waterproofing sprays can only keep water out to a certain extent.
Leather is not waterproof. Due to the untreated surface of our natural leather, raindrops, for example, can leave visible spots. These fade with time. If the leather gets too wet, dry it slowly at room temperature and stuff it with some newspaper. This way it will keep its shape.
Your bag will be delivered in a cotton bag. You can store it in this bag in a dry, well-ventilated place. Please do not use plastic bags.
Leather has the ability of adapting to a shape - but does not return to its original state. You should keep this in mind, especially with wallets. If you reduce your cards, the ones that are left may sit loosely.
You can polish the nickel-plated carabiners and rings with a dry cloth. You can freshen up the brass-plated fittings with a metal cleaner. Please be careful not to touch the leather, as this could permanently damage it.
After a while, it can make sense to freshen up our natural leather. The natural lotion from Kaps helps to care for your bag's leather and give it a new shine.
