LEATHERS

About

A strong, flexible, and durable material obtained through tanning and chemical treatment, leather has been a valued resource for thousands of years. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, ostriches, and aquatic animals such as seals and alligators. Leather can be used to make a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, handbags, furniture, tools and sports equipment, and products made from leather typically last for decades. Leather making has been practiced for more than seven thousand years, with the leading producers of leather today being China and India. While leather remains a widely used and practical material, critics of tanneries claim that they engage in unsustainable practices that pose health hazards to the people and the environment near them.