Italy and specially Laperla has a unique tradition and knowledge of producing high quality leather, and to guarantee the highest possible quality of our products, we exclusively use leather from leading Italian tanneries serving global fashion brands. Transforming raw hides into a material that will resist throughout time is a process of 30 – 40 days combining modern technologies and machineries.
Whenever possible, we strive to use leather derived from the vegetable tanning process which by far, apart from being the classic traditional method, is the most natural and eco-friendly type of tanning. This process is based on the use of tannin, which is the main ingredient responsible for transforming animal hide into a compact and resistant material durable over time. These tannin extracts make the vegetable tanned leather unique and immediately recognizable from leather tanned with other methods. The most common and antique type of tannin is the Quebracho tree extract, a tree indigenous of Argentina. From its bark, a characteristically red-colour powder can be obtained that gives the leather a warm and brilliant shade which together with a compact texture, makes it more resistant to water and atmospheric agents.
Another important reason why we strive to use leather produced with natural tannin is that the production process of our suppliers is strictly monitored to ensure a low impact on the environment. Being tanned with natural tannins, the leather can be easily recycled at the end of its life thanks to its chemical-biological characteristics. Many substances being used during the tanning process are recycled, and reused in different fields. Hair removed from raw hides is transformed into agricultural fertilizer; sludge produced by the depuration plants is reused in the construction field to make bricks.
Vegetable tanned leather does not contain any toxic substance such as azo-dyes, nickel, PCP or chrome and is highly tolerable for people who suffer from metal related allergies. Vegetable tanned leather ages with grace without ruining. The natural ageing does not compromise its resistance and gives it a vintage look with warm color shades showing proof of being a genuine natural product.