We at Aarnio Originals are committed to keeping the production of our design classics up to date – sustainable and responsible. Each material for our icons is carefully selected and considered not only for functionality and aesthetics, but also from performance and sustainability point-of-views.
Leather has outstanding performance qualities when it comes to upholstering properties. However, leather production can understandably also raise concerns for many regarding the industry’s impact on an environmental and societal level. How can we then minimise any negative impact? What should you as a consumer know about the production of our leather materials? What can we do for the sustainability of leather?
Bubble with white leather cushions
The beauty of leather
Leather has always been a popular material for furniture designers. This is due to its exceptional qualities as a durable, naturally comfortable and breathable material. The characteristic beauty of leather adds a luxurious touch to any space, which the natural patina developing over time only enhances. Leather is easy to keep clean, lasts beautifully for years, can be repaired, and even at the end of its long lifecycle, it can be recycled.
The Leather Ball Chair
Where does our leather come from?
Our high-quality leather comes from the Danish Sørensen Leather, whose raw hides are a natural, circular material and a by-product of the meat and dairy industry. If falling out of the loop, these raw hides would need to be disposed of by burning or burying, further causing a negative impact on the environment. The leather sourced for Aarnio Originals is a circular material that can help reducing waste through responsible production processes, contributing to the sustainable management of natural resources.
The partners in the supplying chain are obliged to comply EU legislation requirements to minimise waste, the use of chemicals, water, energy and resource consumption. Our leather supplier is committed to partnering only with industry professionals who follow strict standards governing animal welfare. The quality of the animals’ life also reflects on the quality of their hide. Aarnio Originals chooses to work exclusively with our leather supplier not only for their finest upholstery leather but also due to their dedicated stance on corporate responsibility.
Quality checking for Bubble leather cushions in white
Cruelty-free and sustainable leather
When you are convinced to give a long life to your furniture with leather, here are a few factors to consider about sustainability of leather:
1. The origin and ethics of sourcing
The origin of the leather ensures animals are well taken care of and treated humanely during their lives and after. Our leather is sourced as a by-product of the meat and dairy industry from partners who are committed to comply with the stringent requirements set forth by EU legislation.
2. Production processes
Tanning leather is a chemical process requiring a lot of water. Our supplier is supporting the United Nation’s global Sustainable Development Goals by minimising use of chemical emissions to air, water and soil while improving safe recycling of wastewater.
3. Long-lasting and recyclable
High quality leather has a long lifecycle, only improving with age. Leathercan be repaired and after it has served its purpose as furniture material it can be recycled for example to the insoles of shoes.
Our commitment
We are constantly searching for an alternative material that could match the outstanding qualities of natural leather while catering the needs of increasingly eco-friendly and conscious consumers. As of now we use only highest quality leather offering exceptional durability and comfortable luxury while being committed to contributing to the circular economy and minimising any negative impact on the environment. By taking good care of your leather furniture with conditioning and regular cleaning, you can also help to maximise the life of our leather.
Aarnio Originals team in Finland