Leather vs Vegan-Friendly Bags: A Sustainable Guide | Emma Easter Wales
As a handcrafted bag maker in the Rhondda Valleys, one of the most common questions I receive at markets is about the differences between my leather and vegan-friendly collections. Both lines are crafted with equal care in my solar-powered Welsh studio, and today I'm sharing what makes each collection special!
The Truth About Leather: Sustainability and Sourcing
Here's something that often surprises people: leather is actually a by-product of the meat and dairy industry. According to Leather UK (2025), these animals aren't raised for their hides at all. Without the leather industry, many hides would end up in landfill - currently, about 40% of hides globally go to waste (Leather Naturally, 2025).
Understanding Leather Tanning Methods
Chrome Tanned Leather (Our Choice)
- Modern, efficient process perfect for handmade bags
- Creates soft, flexible leather ideal for everyday use
- Enhanced water resistance (perfect for Welsh weather!)
- Each hide tells a unique story through natural markings
Source: Leather Naturally UK, 2025
Traditional Vegetable Tanned Leather
- Uses natural tannins from tree bark and plants
- Extended production time (weeks to months)
- Premium pricing due to process length
- Lower water resistance
- Traditional leatherworking standard
Source: Leather UK, 2025
Vegan-Friendly Materials: An Honest Look
Our vegan-friendly collection represents innovation in sustainable fashion. Here's what you should know about common vegan materials:
Innovative Vegan Materials
- Piñatex: Created from pineapple leaves with 20% synthetic materials for durability (Ananas Anam, 2025)
- Apple Leather: Utilizes apple waste, combined with 50% synthetic materials (Von Baer, 2025)
- Cork: Eco-friendly but requires synthetic backing for bag construction (Project Cece, 2024)
Our Handcrafted Collections
The Leather Collection
- Premium chrome tanned leather with unique characteristics
- Natural markings tell each piece's story
- Built for longevity with beautiful aging
- Includes handmade embroidered calico dust bag
The Vegan-Friendly Collection
- Carefully curated animal-free materials
- Durable construction for daily use
- Low-maintenance care requirements
- Distinctive, bold designs
Choosing Your Perfect Bag
Lifestyle Considerations
- Usage frequency
- Maintenance preferences
- Weather exposure (especially Welsh weather!)
Personal Values
- Stance on animal products
- Views on synthetic materials
- Importance of longevity
Our Sustainable Practices
- Small-batch production in our solar-powered Welsh studio
- Carefully sourced materials to minimise waste
- Water-resistant linings in all bags
- Eco-friendly packaging solutions
Quality Assurance
Every handcrafted bag from our Rhondda Valleys studio features:
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Weather-resistant construction
- Premium water-resistant linings
- Beautiful yet practical design
Need Help Deciding?
Consider your daily needs, care preferences, and values. Still unsure? I'm always happy to discuss materials and help you find your perfect match!
Connect with me:
- Website: emmaeaster.co.uk
- Social Media: @emmaeasteruk on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok
'Til next time,
Emma x
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