Upcycled leather is a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather made from virgin animal hide. It is created by taking leather scraps that would otherwise be destroyed or thrown away and repurposing them into new products. This not only helps to reduce waste but also allows us to use the best materials to their fullest potential. Let's take a closer look at upcycled leather.
What is Upcycled Leather?
As the name suggests, upcycled leather is created by taking existing leather scraps and repurposing them into new products. This can be done in a number of ways, but a common method is to shred the leather before bonding it back together with an eco-friendly adhesive. The end result is a material that looks and feels identical to traditional leather but without a negative environmental impact.
One of the biggest benefits of upcycled leather is that it helps to reduce waste. The production process for leather goods can leave behind a large amount of remnant leather that could end up in landfills. By upcycling these scraps, we can give them a new lease on life and keep them out of landfill sites.
Another benefit of upcycled leather is that it is often more durable than traditional leather. This is because the bonding process used to create upcycled leather tends to be stronger than the stitching used in traditional methods. As a result, upcycled leather products are less likely to tear or come apart at the seams.
How Northwind Was Born
In 2017, employees at a local manufacturing company realized a lot of leather waste was going to landfills. They asked themselves, "what can we do with this?" And so, Northwind's journey began. The women-led team started repurposing scraps of leather into their loop keychains.
When Northwind first started out, its only product was upcycled leather keychains. But despite being a small operation, they quickly developed a loyal following of customers who loved their keychains. Encouraged by this early success, the team at Northwind decided to expand their product line. Since then, Northwind has expanded its repertoire to include a wide range of quality leather products.
From coasters and keyrings to wallets, Northwind prioritizes sustainability by selling products made from high-quality upcycled leather. Northwind is committed to creating high-quality products that are both eco-friendly and stylish. Their products are perfect for people who are looking for unique, handmade items that they can feel good about supporting. So next time you're in the market for a new accessory or gift, remember Northwind!
Final Thoughts
Upcycled leather is a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional virgin hide leathers. It offers many benefits over its conventional counterpart, including increased durability, reduced waste, and lower cost.
At Northwind, we're so proud of how far we've come since those early days huddled around a table cutting loops out of scrap leather. If you're ever in the market for a new sustainable product made from upcycled materials, be sure to check us out! Thank you for supporting us on this journey.
