Is it sustainable and is it recyclable, these the buzz words of the world today? Can leather be recycled and is it still called leather?
Yes, leather can be recycled in that the scraps and offcuts can be collected from tanneries and leather goods manufacturers. These scraps are shredded into a fine powder and mixed with binding materials such as rubber and water. This is pressed and turned into sheets with a texture and colour.
The definition of recycle is: “to convert waste into reusable material” and so by turning scrap leather offcuts into something that can be used again is a form of recycling. This helps eliminate waste, which would have otherwise ended up in landfill. Waste from the fashion and leather industry is massive. statistics say that about 402 000 tonnes of leather waste end up in landfills every year! Let’s look at some of the other ways leather can be recycled.
How to recycle leather.
There are a number of different ways you can recycle leather. Some methods are more complicated and some don’t take any effort at all. It all helps reduce the impact on the environment. Here are a few ways you can recycle leather.
- Donate your old leather items like jackets, shoes, handbags etc. to a charity.
- Upcycle or Repurpose your old handbag and turn it into something new like a wallet or purse.
- Take all your offcuts to a recycling depo.
- Get old worn out and damaged leather goods repaired by a cobbler or leather specialist.
- Shred up old leather offcuts and make new “leather” by combining it with a binding material.
Donate your Old leather clothing
To me this is not recycling in the truest sense of the word, but you do give your old leather goods that you no longer use, a new home. Maybe to someone less fortunate than you. You are recycling by giving it to someone else who can use it and at least it’s not ending up in a landfill.
Upcycle or Re-purpose your old leather items.
This method gives you the opportunity to re-use leather again, instead of buying more leather. Take that old leather handbag or purse and cut it up in order to make a new wallet or coasters or purse. You just need to make sure you have enough leather.
Get your leather offcuts recycled at a depo.
Take all your small offcuts of leather to a recycling depo that accepts leather. Not all recycling depos accept leather so check with them first.
Get damaged leather goods repaired by a specialist
This is another solution so as not to let leather end up in landfills. Get a specialist cobbler or leatherworker to fix those broken shoes or broken torn handbag and get them to fix it up so it looks brand new and can be re-used again.
Why recycle leather.
Recycling in general is good for the environment. By recycling leather, which is an industry that generates a lot of waste from offcuts, you are not only saving the planet, but you are also creating jobs for people. Check out this article on how much leather is produced annually to get an idea just how big the industry is.
Where can i get leather recycled.
You can get leather recycled at a number of different places. Recycling depos are usually the best places to take your old leather but check with them first if they accept leather. There are also companies they will come and collect scraps and offcuts directly from tanneries and leather manufacturers. A quick Google search might help you find out where you can take your offcuts of leather in your area.
What is recycled leather.
Recycled leather which is made up of old leather offcuts which are shredded in tiny pieces and then made into a pulp and combined with an adhesive to form sheets. Recycled leather is about 20-50% real leather. It’s a good solution to avoid massive leather waste.
Recently scientists have discovered a method to recycle leather using a chemical process. One such company who is changing the game in recycled leather is Recyc Leather. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Hong Kong and Paris. They collect offcuts of leather that were destined for landfills and turn them into new leather. By shredding up all the offcuts and bonding them with rubber they create sheets.
They make various colours which have different grains and textures. They have partnered with some ethical brands such as O.T.A who make 100% recycled leather sneakers. They have also partnered with Akoni eyewear so check them out. Here is a link to Recyc leather.
Conclusion
So, leather can be recycled or upcycled in a number of ways. The benefit to the environment is worth it and it is definitely a growing industry as the world cannot keep dumping waste into landfills. There are also newer industry blossoming now which make “leather” out of mangoes, mushrooms and cacti. Of course, these can’t be classified as real leather but at least it’s an alternative option for some people.