For those of us who appreciate leather products, sustainability has become a hot topic in recent years, especially in the fashion industry. With so many alternative materials and often conflicting messages about the environmental impact of leather production, it can be hard to know what to believe. So, what exactly is sustainability? Simply put, it means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, as defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development.
At Vaja, we are dedicated to creating a leather value chain that prioritizes eco-friendly methods. Through innovative and environmentally-conscious practices, we have developed unique solutions that set us apart in the leather industry. When you purchase one of our leather products, you can trust that it is not only a high-end item, but also designed to endure for years to come, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. By choosing responsible leather production, we can all play a role in protecting our planet and securing its beauty for future generations to enjoy. Susan's case is a perfect example of this. A loyal customer who recently shared with us some pictures of his 10-year-old leather case.
The truth is, properly made and sourced leather is one of the most renewable materials available. Human beings have been using animal leather since prehistoric times, with evidence of leather goods dating back to 3000-5000 BCE. This makes the leather industry one of the oldest manufacturing sectors in the world. As a byproduct of the food chain, leather is a recycled material that can be repurposed into beautiful and durable end-products instead of ending up in landfills.
Our Sustainable Journey
As we face a time of environmental crisis, the urgency surrounding climate action should inspire us all to take action, but we should also recognize the incredible progress we have already made, and will continue to make.
At Vaja, we are committed to sustainability and making a positive impact on the world around us. Our packaging is made from 100% recycled paper, and each piece is transformed into a unique packaging design. Our cardboard boxes are collectible and can be used to create custom drawers, reducing waste and promoting reuse.
We are delighted to share that the tough polycarbonate frames utilized in the iPhone 14 cases have been effectively substituted with Copolyester TX1501HF-50, provided by Tretan Renew. The Tretan Copolyester, produced in France, boasts a certified recycled content of up to 50%. This innovative technology utilizes chemical processes to decompose waste plastics into molecular constituents, which can be repurposed to create new products. In our scenario, the result is durable frames, which are now enveloped in soft Patagonia leather.
In addition, we have found a new use for raw leather pieces that used to be disposed of - we have turned them into natural screen cleaners that can be recycled over and over again. Every international shipment we make includes a "GoGreen" Carbon Neutral shipment option, which allows us to contribute to climate protection projects and neutralize the shipment’s CO2 emissions.
Each of our leather products is designed to last for years to come, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. At Vaja, we are committed to generating less waste and leaving behind smaller footprints for a better world. We believe that small actions can lead to big changes, and we are dedicated to doing our part to protect the planet.