Impact
Global Citizenship: Conscientious Consumption & Fine Leather Goods
When we set out to shake things up in the world of fashion and footwear we also knew that we had the opportunity to make choices for the greater good. Building a business from scratch allowed us to incorporate operational standards to make our brand a truly positive force - and by virtue, allow you to be a more conscientious consumer.
We want you to feel great in our shoes on top of [obviously] looking amazing. By choosing JBA you’re helping us to further responsible manufacturing, ethical business practices, and environmental stewardship.
We will admit that we’re not perfect. We’re always looking for ways to reduce plastics, shipping carbon footprint, packaging waste, and much more. If you have any ideas or suggestions - contact us!
Adopting Conscientious Consumption
Conscientious consumers make informed purchase decisions that consider the environmental, ethical, and social impact of those products. They often buy only what they need and prioritize sustainability, such as choosing long-lasting, reusable, or recyclable items.
But you already knew that. Because if you’re reading this, that consumer is… most likely… you!
So read on if you'd like to learn a little more about how conscientious consumption is core to our brand's global citizenship ethos - specifically in terms of JBA leathers.
Why Choose Premium Leather?
Choosing high quality leather products in a world of fast fashion and questionable quality is an awesome decision. Leather shoes, when made using sustainable practices, offer a more environmentally friendly option due to their durability, biodegradability, and the use of natural materials and processes.
JBA sources primary manufacturing materials from Leather Working Group (LWG) tanneries. LWG is a global multi-stakeholder community committed to building a sustainable future with responsible leather. They’re a not-for-profit that drives best practices and positive social and environmental change for responsible leather production - including annual certifications and audits.
JB Ander requires manufacturing partners to transparently communicate all environmental certifications & management systems received for their facility; they must maintain an environmental policy & work to expand their standards as business permits. JBA manufacturing partners must also comply with all local & national laws as it pertains to environmental standards.
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Durability and Longevity: Leather is well known for its strength and durability. High-quality leather shoes can last for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This longevity means fewer shoes are produced and discarded, reducing waste.
Biodegradability: Leather, especially vegetable-tanned leather, is biodegradable. Unlike synthetic materials, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, leather breaks down more naturally and doesn't leave harmful residues.
Natural and Renewable Resource: Leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, so its production doesn't require additional animal farming. Utilizing the hides from these animals helps reduce waste.
Sustainable Tanning Practices: Vegetable tanning uses natural tannins from plants, which are less harmful to the environment compared to the chemicals used in chrome tanning. This process not only reduces pollution but also creates a more eco-friendly product.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Producing leather shoes can have a lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic alternatives, particularly if the leather is sourced from well-managed farms and tanned using sustainable methods. Synthetic shoes often require petroleum-based materials, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Support for Traditional Craftsmanship: Many leather shoes are produced by artisans who use traditional, sustainable practices. Supporting these craftspeople helps maintain eco-friendly methods and supports local economies.
Only Selecting Leather as a By-Product
Using only hides that are a by-product from livestock agriculture contributes to sustainability in several ways. By turning a by-product of the meat industry into leather, we can reduce waste, minimize the environmental impact, and contribute to more sustainable production practices overall. This approach reflects a more holistic use of resources, ensuring that fewer elements of the animal are wasted.
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Resource Efficiency: Animals raised for meat have multiple uses, and by utilizing their hides for leather, the entire animal is utilized more effectively. This reduces waste and maximizes the resources already expended in raising the animals.
Waste Reduction: If hides were not used for leather, they would likely be discarded, contributing to environmental waste. Turning them into leather products minimizes this waste.
Reduced Need for Synthetic Alternatives: By using natural hides, the demand for synthetic materials, often derived from non-renewable petroleum resources, is reduced. This lessens the environmental impact associated with producing synthetic leathers, such as higher carbon emissions and chemical pollution.
Lower Environmental Impact: Compared to synthetic materials, leather (especially when tanned sustainably) has a lower environmental footprint, as it avoids the production of non-biodegradable waste.
Support for Circular Economy: Utilizing by-products like hides aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and resources are reused or recycled into new products.
What is Vegetable Tanned Leather?
Vegetable tanning makes leather more sustainable by using natural tannins found in plant materials, such as tree bark and leaves, instead of harmful chemicals like chromium. This method is more environmentally friendly because it reduces pollution, uses renewable resources, and results in a biodegradable product. Additionally, vegetable-tanned leather often has a longer lifespan due to its durability, further reducing waste. The process also supports traditional craftsmanship, often carried out by small, eco-conscious tanneries, contributing to a more sustainable leather industry.
This traditional tanning process can take several weeks, but it produces leather that is durable, environmentally friendly, and develops a beautiful patina over time. By choosing vegetable tanned leather, consumers can enjoy high-quality leather products while supporting environmentally sustainable practices. This traditional method not only honors the heritage of leather craftsmanship but also promotes a more sustainable future.
Aesthetic and Functional Benefits
Patina Development
- Unique Aging: Vegetable tanned leather develops a unique patina over time, giving each product a distinct and personalized look.
Quality and Feel
- Natural Feel: The leather retains a natural feel and aroma, often preferred by leather enthusiasts.
- Versatility: It can be dyed and shaped easily, allowing for a variety of designs and styles.
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Natural Materials- Tannins from Plants: The use of natural tannins from plants reduces the reliance on synthetic chemicals.
- Biodegradability: Vegetable tanned leather is more biodegradable compared to leather tanned with synthetic chemicals.
- No Harmful Chemicals: Unlike chrome tanning, which uses toxic chemicals like chromium salts, vegetable tanning does not introduce harmful substances into the environment.
- Cleaner Wastewater: The tanning process produces cleaner wastewater, which is easier to treat and less harmful to ecosystems.
- Renewable Resources: The materials used in vegetable tanning are renewable and sourced from plant-based materials.
- Energy Efficiency: The traditional tanning process often consumes less energy compared to modern synthetic methods.
- Non-Toxic: The absence of harmful chemicals makes vegetable tanned leather safer for workers in the tanning industry and for consumers.
- Durability: Vegetable tanned leather is known for its durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus contributing to less waste.