The tanning process
The tanning process takes several days. The raw leather is first thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and impurities, then it is soaked in water to make the leather softer and more supple. Then the tanning phase begins: the leather rests for several days in a recess filled with water and natural tannins.
This process ensures that the leather begins to bind with the tannins, which is essential for strengthening the leather. After this treatment, the leather is sunk. Here the leather is soaked in tanning broth, a mixture of water with a high concentration of tannins. In this phase, the leather absorbs the tannins well, which can vary in time depending on the desired result and the thickness of the leather.
After sufficient tannins have been absorbed, the leather is dried without cracking. The leather is then hardened to strengthen the structure and stained to obtain the desired colour.
Vegetable tanning
In the equestrian world, the choice of materials is increasingly important, both for the comfort of the horse and for sustainability. Bridles, which improve communication between rider and horse, are traditionally made of leather. Today, there is a growing interest in vegetable-tanned leather as a sustainable alternative to chrome-tanned leather. In this blog, we explore the benefits of vegetable-tanned leather in bridles.
What is Vegetable Tanning?
Vegetable tanning is a process that uses natural tannins from plants to convert animal hides into leather. Tannins are organic substances that occur naturally in the bark, leaves, roots and fruits of certain trees and plants. These substances make the leather durable and resistant to decay, without the harsh chemicals often used in chrome tanning.
Benefits of vegetable-tanned leather
Vegetable-tanned leather offers several advantages over chrome-tanned leather, both for the environment and for the consumer:
– Vegetable tanning uses natural and renewable resources, which is less harmful to the environment. Vegetable tanning avoids polluting chromium salts and other chemicals.
– Vegetable-tanned leather is biodegradable.
– For humans and animals with sensitive skin or allergies, vegetable-tanned leather offers a better alternative, as it is free of harsh chemicals that can be present in chrome-tanned leather.
Vegetable tanned leather is not only a more environmentally friendly choice, but also a healthier option for both riders and horses. It is a sustainable alternative that increases the quality and comfort of bridles, while at the same time contributing to a better environment.
