Eco-leather: is it real or an imitation?
When we talk about eco-leather, it is easy to fall into confusion and false beliefs. It is time to dispel false myths and clarify this matter.
When we refer to any leather product, we are talking about the leather of animal origin.
But there is a big difference among all the leather types.
We use to think that eco-leather is fake leather of non-animal origin, but this is wrong. The word “eco-leather” was created in early ’90. It referred to an artificial material with a similar appearance to leather, but produced with synthetic substances, coming from petroleum (therefore not ecological). This term was then assigned to the production of genuine leather, processed in respect of the environment. Therefore, it was no longer possible to use this term for products other than the most valuable and qualitative genuine leather.
Today the term “eco-leather” identifies a type of leather realized with a manufacturing process with a reduced environmental impact. It is genuine leather of animal origin, which has nothing to do with artificial products.
But how to distinguish real leather from imitation leather?
Color, heat, and smell are the three aspects to consider. The fake leather has a homogeneous color over the whole surface. On the contrary, real leather absorbs and maintains the color differently, according to the specific characteristics of the derma. Genuine and fake leather emanate two different types of warmth, that you can easily perceive getting in contact with them. Finally, genuine leather has a peculiar and easily recognizable smell, very different from imitation leather. In fact, it has a plastic smell.
A final aspect to not underestimate is certainly the price. Given its durability and great resistance, a real leather product is more expensive.
With its collections of genuine leather accessories, Cadini remains true to the tradition of its “hometown”. Florence, in fact, is since always the excellence in the tanning sector.
Its mission is to guarantee its customers the highest quality of its products. To do that, it uses the finest materials and a 100% Made in Italy production. But Cadini’s commitment does not stop here.
In the last years, the brand has directed its actions towards an increasingly ecological policy. Hence the need to use raw materials, such as leather, that respect the quality and sustainability criteria. Moreover, Cadini takes advantage of production and processing methods that guarantee the lowest environmental impact.