Leather comes from animals. Animal agriculture has environmental costs. So is buying a leather bag the wrong choice for an environmentally conscious person? The answer is more nuanced than most brands will tell you.
The byproduct argument
Leather is often made from hides associated with meat production, but sourcing and supply chains vary. A byproduct label alone does not establish a product’s environmental footprint.
Using a hide can create a useful product, but an environmental comparison needs evidence about sourcing, processing, product life and disposal. Do not assume that every unused hide would otherwise be sent to landfill.
The honest problem with tanning
Industrial chrome tanning uses chromium salts and other chemicals that, if not properly managed, can pollute waterways. This is a genuine problem in poorly regulated tanneries.
However, there are better options:
- Vegetable tanning uses plant-derived tannins. It still uses resources and produces wastewater, so the process name alone does not mean it is free of environmental impacts.
- Tannery management matters for every tanning method. Look for specific evidence about chemical handling, water use and wastewater treatment.
The comparison with vegan leather
“Vegan leather” describes non-animal alternatives with varying compositions. Some contain polyurethane or other plastics, while others include plant-derived components. Check the actual material breakdown.
- Composition: Check the coating, backing and any plastic content rather than relying on a marketing name.
- End of life: Ask for evidence behind biodegradability or recycling claims, including the conditions they require.
- Useful life: Durability varies with material, construction, care and use. There is no fixed replacement schedule for leather or non-animal alternatives.
The longevity argument
Keeping a suitable product in use, caring for it and repairing it where practical can reduce the need for replacements. Price and material labels alone are not enough to establish which product has the lower environmental footprint.
Our position
For an Asgard purchase, check the product description for material details and choose an item that suits your needs. This guide does not establish a product-specific environmental footprint or claim that leather is always the lower-impact choice. Our Leather Care guide and Warranty & Repairs policy explain care and available support.