Preserving Nature
At écotorie, we believe fashion should be light on the planet. All of the choices that we make, from the materials we source to the methods we use, are guided by our promise to create with care, and not compromise on sustainability.
There’s been a lot of conversation around vegan leather, and we understand why. The desire to make kinder choices is something we deeply care about. But we also believe in looking at the full picture. Many synthetic alternatives are made using plastic-based materials like PU and PVC, which can have their own environmental footprints, all the way from chemical production to landfill waste.
What we’ve found is that real sustainability lies in balance. It’s not just about what something is made of, but how it’s made, how long it lasts, and what happens to it when it’s no longer needed.
Our Promise
Less Chemicals
We don’t believe in shortcuts. Instead of fast-paced, conventional tanning practices, we have chosen a slower path.
We are proud to say that we have eliminated the use of harsh chemicals like chromium VI, azo dyes, nickel, or cadmium, which are often used in mass production, replacing these chemicals with the use of natural tannins derived from plants and bark. These organic substances not only make the leather safer to wear, but they also drastically reduce water pollution and chemical runoff into our local ecosystems.
Our vegetable-tanned leather doesn’t just age gracefully. It tells a story, softening and deepening with time.
Less Water
Our founders realised that traditional leather tanning can be incredibly water-intensive, sometimes requiring thousands of litres per hide. So, by choosing vegetable-tanned leather and working with partners who prioritise water-efficient methods, we significantly reduce our water usage across the supply chain. Our processes avoid heavy water consumption and toxic effluents, helping us protect one of our planet’s most vital and vulnerable resources.
Less Energy
At écotorie, we’re mindful of the energy that goes into every piece we create. Our partner factories share our values when it comes to protecting the planet. Together, we’ve taken thoughtful steps to reduce our energy use and lighten our carbon footprint.
From sewing machines fitted with power-saving technology to heat presses upgraded with infrared systems instead of fossil fuels, every choice is intentional. Even the lighting in our workshops uses energy-efficient LEDs. These may seem like small changes, but they add up over time in our mission to do our bit in protecting the planet.
