High quality vegetable tanned leather
We are living in a world that is constantly changing and we are all more conscious about the environment and what impact we all have on the world.
We, Epique riders are people who care about our horses, the environment and our planet.
Remember there is no planet B.
At Epique we are fully aware of this and that is the reason why we carefully select our materials, fabrics and partners.
For most of our items we work with real leather because these are natural materials that we consider more sustainable than ‘vegan’ alternatives, which often is another word for a plastic solution.
We work with horses and - most of the time - the leather is in direct contact with their skin during movement, we believe it is important to have high quality leather where no harmful chemicals are used in the production.
We work with high quality vegetable tanned leather. This method of tanning is true ‘chrome-free’ and uses no poisonous chemicals in the process only natural materials like barks, branches, leaves and even fruits or plants.
A great advantage of this method: The natural colors and texture are maintained and there is a higher durability compared with synthetic materials.
Basically, when taken care of in the right way, it can be used a lifetime or biodegraded without causing any damage to the environment.
Another reason we work with real leather, is the fact that it is a by-product.
‘A by-product is a secondary product derived from a production process … It is not the primary product or service begin produced. A by-product can be useful and marketable or it can be considered waste’
In this case it is recycled material from the meat industry. The leather industry is creating a unique material from a skin that otherwise might end up as landfill or waste.
Some fun facts about leather:
- The craft of making leather dates back to 5000 B.C.
- Back then the leather was used for sandals and clothing but also for buckets and drinking flasks
- The leather industry has an annual revenue of over 53 billion USD
- Back in the 17th century it was a fashiontrend to have your house wallpapered with leather
- Cowhide is most widely used of all.
** source: mahileather.com ; Smit&Zoon; wikipedia