Unlike the leather from exotic animals, even those which are farm-raised, cowhides are taken from animals that are also used for their meat.
The lower layer of the hide closest to the flesh is the split leather. This part of the hide is the least valuable, of an inferior quality, and less supple. It is also the part of the hide that is the most commonly used as it is also, needless to say, the least expensive.
The outermost layer of the hide, which is the most valuable, is the full-grain leather. This leather is considered to be the highest quality, and therefore the most expensive, and the one selected for making high-end bags. It conserves its suppleness and the durability of the hide. Each and every Bleu de Chauffe leather bag is made entirely with full-grain leather.
The vast majority of leathers undergo a process of mineral tanning. The imperfections are covered up with pigmentations, and artificial grains are pressed into the hides. This process allows the colours to set quickly and is consequently less costly. Nonetheless, for this process, chromium, and other heavy metals and chemicals are used. These elements are extremely polluting and potentially toxic. Although infrequent, they can produce allergic reactions when they come in contact with the skin.
The ancient process of vegetable tanning, which is much more natural and ecologically safe, makes use of natural dyes from plants and trees (oak, acacia, chestnut, mimosa, etc.). This process takes more time and is more laborious. However, it gives the leather a more authentic appearance and allows it to develop a beautiful natural patina and an incomparable texture as it ages.
Bleu de Chauffe is a company concerned with reducing the ecological footprint of its activity at every stage of production. Naturally, we have made the choice to only use vegetable-tanned leathers, as much for environmental reasons as for their superior quality, unique appearance and the natural patina they develop with age.