Let’s begin with Chrome-tanning…

(abit of rambling I know, but there is a more concise version for you to enjoy down south).

While chrome-tanned leather has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks that are important to consider. One of the main concerns about chrome-tanned leather is its environmental impact. The chrome tanning process uses a significant amount of water and generates a large amount of waste, which can be harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of. Additionally, the chromium used in the tanning process can be toxic and can leach into the surrounding soil and water, causing harm to local wildlife and ecosystems.

Chrome-tanned leather has been a popular choice for fashion designers and consumers for many years. The tanning process, which uses chromium salts, results in a leather that is strong, durable and resistant to water and stains. This makes it perfect for a wide range of fashion items, from handbags and shoes to clothing and accessories.

One of the key benefits of chrome-tanned leather is its consistency. Unlike vegetable-tanned leather, which can vary in color and texture depending on the type of tree bark or leaves used in the tanning process, chrome-tanned leather has a consistent color and texture that makes it ideal for fashion designers. They can use it in a variety of designs and styles without worrying about variations in the leather.

Another concern about chrome-tanned leather is its potential health hazards. Chromium is known to be a carcinogen, and exposure to it can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. This is a concern for those who work in tanneries and for those who come in contact with chrome-tanned leather products.

Another drawback is that chrome-tanned leather is not as breathable as vegetable-tanned leather, which can make it less comfortable to wear in hot weather. This type of leather also tends to be more rigid and less supple than vegetable-tanned leather, which can make it less comfortable to wear and less flexible.

Additionally, chrome tanned leather is not biodegradable, which means it does not breakdown naturally after it's no longer useful. This makes it more difficult to dispose of, and can contribute to the pollution of landfills and the environment.

There are perfectly fine products made with chrome-tanned leather and the consistency of chrome-tanned leather makes it a popular choice for fashion designers and consumers, it is however important to consider its environmental and health impact. The tanning process uses a significant amount of water, generates a large amount of waste and can be toxic if not properly disposed.

It's essential to consider all aspects of the product before making a purchase and also look for more sustainable options, like vegetable-tanned leather or synthetic materials.

This leads us to our choice of tanning, vegetable-tanning.

Vegetable-tanned leather is a type of leather that is tanned using natural materials such as tree bark and leaves, instead of chemicals like chrome. This type of tanning is considered to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly because it uses natural materials that are biodegradable, and the process generates less waste and pollution than chrome tanning.

One of the main benefits of vegetable-tanned leather is its natural color and texture. Because it is tanned using natural materials, the color and texture of the leather can vary depending on the type of bark or leaves used, which adds to the uniqueness of the product. This makes it perfect for those who appreciate natural materials and traditional craftsmanship.

Another advantage of vegetable-tanned leather is its breathability. Vegetable-tanned leather is more porous than chrome-tanned leather, which means it allows air to circulate more easily. This makes it more comfortable to wear. Additionally, vegetable-tanned leather tends to be more supple and flexible, which makes it more comfortable to wear and more resistant to cracking. This is key to the longevity of our Rocky Mountain Garments.

Another important aspect of vegetable-tanned leather is that it is biodegradable, meaning that it can break down naturally after it's no longer useful. This makes it a more sustainable option, as it reduces the impact on landfills and the environment.

In conclusion, vegetable-tanned leather is a great choice for those who value sustainability, natural materials, and traditional craftsmanship. It's a more environmentally friendly option than chrome-tanned leather, and it has unique natural color and texture, it is more breathable and comfortable to wear, and it is biodegradable. While it may be more expensive than chrome-tanned leather, it is a worthwhile investment for those who want to own a truly unique and sustainable product.

Allright, so that’s reasoning behind both styles. A more subjective short version of this follows!

Cons of chrome-tanned leather:

• Environmental impact: The chrome tanning process uses a significant amount of water and generates a large amount of waste, which is harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of. Additionally, the chromium used in the tanning process can be toxic and can leach into the surrounding soil and water, causing harm to local wildlife and ecosystems.
• Health hazards: Chromium is known to be a carcinogen, and exposure to it can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. This is a concern for those who work in tanneries and for those who come in contact with chrome-tanned leather products.
• Not breathable: Chrome-tanned leather is not as breathable as vegetable-tanned leather, which can make impact when using leather and down combined.
• Less flexible: Chrome-tanned leather tends to be more rigid and less supple than vegetable-tanned leather, which can make it less comfortable to wear and cracks in the leather are more prominent
• Not biodegradable: Chrome-tanned leather is not biodegradable, which means it does not breakdown naturally after it's no longer useful. This makes it more difficult to dispose of, and can contribute to the pollution of landfills and the environment.

Pros of vegetable-tanned leather:

• Sustainable and environmentally friendly: Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned using natural materials that are biodegradable, and the process generates less waste and pollution than chrome tanning.
• Unique natural color and texture: Because it is tanned using natural materials, the color and texture of the leather can vary depending on the type of bark or leaves used, which adds to the uniqueness of the product.
• Breathable: Vegetable-tanned leather is more porous than chrome-tanned leather, which means it allows air to circulate more easily. This makes it more comfortable to wear in hot weather and less likely to cause skin irritation.
• More supple and flexible: Vegetable-tanned leather tends to be more supple and flexible than chrome-tanned leather, which makes it more comfortable to wear and more resistant to cracking.
• Biodegradable: Vegetable-tanned leather is biodegradable, which means it can break down naturally after it's no longer useful. This makes it a more sustainable option, as it reduces the impact on landfills and the environment.

It is worth noting that vegetable-tanned leather can be more expensive than chrome-tanned leather and that the tanning process is more time consuming, but it is a worthwhile investment for those who want to own a truly unique and sustainable product.

Like buying a Rocky Mountain Featherbed!