Sourcing Leather from American Tanneries: Supporting Ethical Practices and Quality Craftsmanship

Leather is a popular material used in a wide range of products, from leather wallets to leather dog collars and leather dog leashes to leather accessories. However, sourcing leather ethically and sustainably can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding high-quality suppliers. One option that is often overlooked is sourcing from American tanneries. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of sourcing from American tanneries.

Benefits of Sourcing from American Tanneries:

1.) Supporting local economies: Sourcing from American tanneries supports local economies and helps to create jobs in the United States.

2.) Reducing environmental impact: Sourcing from American tanneries reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, as the leather does not have to be shipped from other countries.

3.) Better quality control: By sourcing from American tanneries, you can visit the tannery and check the production processes, ensuring that the leather is ethically sourced and of high quality.

Challenges of Sourcing from American Tanneries:

1.) Limited options: The number of American tanneries has declined over the years, limiting the options available for sourcing leather in the United States.

2.) Higher cost: Sourcing from American tanneries can be more expensive than sourcing from other countries due to the higher labor and production costs.

Panache Paws uses leather from Taza Leather where Master Leather craftsman Josue Leonardo sources the highest quality hides from just 2 American tanneries: Wickett and Craig and Horween. Wickett and Craig is one of the two  tanneries we source from. They have been in the leather business since 1867. Located in Pennsylvania, it is one of the only specialty vegetable tanneries in the United States. The leather this tannery produces is recognized by its vibrant color and beautiful patina. Their leathers not only look great when fresh from the tannery, but also look beautiful with time after the daily wear and tear of everyday life and the oils of your skin age it. Horween is another tannery located in Chicago, Illinois. They produce many different leathers such as the ChromeExcel variety. They have also been in the leather business for over a century and continue to create high-quality leather for small businesses.

In conclusion, sourcing from American tanneries has its benefits and challenges, but it is a smart choice when looking for high-quality, ethically sourced leather. We believe that the best products come from the best materials and our tanneries have given us the opportunity to give you, our consumer, the best product we can make.