Sustainable material revolution: what makes materials sustainable?

Sustainability goes beyond day-to-day operations. Every manufactured item or material has an impact on the planet. From sourcing of raw materials, through supply chain and manufacturing process, its in-use phase right down to end-of-life, those impacts have to be considered and evaluated.

Being kinder to the planet, manufacturers of sustainable materials ought to consider things like whether or not any of their raw ingredients are fossil-fuel reliant. What source of energy is in use (oil, gas, coal vs renewable) throughout the process. How much carbon a material in question generates in production. Plus many more, hugely complicated variants.

ELeather production for example, uses 100% renewable electricity. Manufacturing process is centred around hydroentanglement, which not only doesn’t require any harmful chemicals of adhesives, it also recycles 95% of the water used (the other 5% is evaporated).

Then again, how much waste is generated (both in manufacturing and in-use) i.e. producing garments, furniture, and what happens to the materials once it’s served its purpose requires further consideration and evaluation.

ELeather not only reduces waste (using leather offcuts otherwise destined for landfill), but also allows seat manufacturers to utilise up to 90% of the material in production. As for transport operators, the material’s longevity means seat covers don’t need to be replaced as often and require less maintenance. Helping them be more efficient whilst taking better care of our planet.

Leather is widely known for its durability and quality, luxury finish. For some, its beauty lies in the uniqueness of each hide. Sadly, the same inconsistency is the reason why for every tonne of leather, up to three quarters, is destined for landfill.. The land, water and carbon used to make it are effectively wasted. 

ELeather limits this waste by recycling thousands of tonnes each year into new material. Scraps are transformed using 100% renewable electricity and resource-efficient manufacturing. Our game-changing, clean manufacturing process creates the best alternative to traditional leather. ELeather combines leather fibres with a high-performance core into a durable, uniform material produced on a roll. It’s easy to use and stands up to everyday use, without taking it out on the planet.

Saving over 55% of the land and water used by traditional leather, and producing over 60% less CO₂ emissions: learn more about our revolutionary material.