VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER @DRYKORN
Why we use vegetable-tanned leather
Leather is durable, robust and develops a patina over time that makes each piece unique. But how leather is tanned determines its true quality – and the responsibility we take on as a fashion company.
Chrome tanning: the industry standard
The most widely used tanning method is chrome tanning. It is fast, inexpensive, and has dominated the industry for decades. Chrome tanning delivers good, consistent results in terms of product quality, but it also has its downsides: depending on the producer's waste water management, chrome residues can pollute soil and water, and the process can pose health risks for the people who work in the tanneries. While we strive to only use vegetable tanned leather, there are some instances, where we use chrome-tanned leather as well – For example when we want to achieve a very specific look which develops less patina over time.
Vegetable Tanning: Nature as a partner
To us, the preferred alternative to chrome tanning is vegetable tanning. This process does not use chrome, but vegetable tanning agents – extracted from bark, wood, or leaves. The result of this traditional tanning method is a leather that is comfortable to wear and free of chrome salts. It also develops a distinctive patina over time.
A piece with history
Vegetable-tanned leather ages differently than chrome-tanned leather. With each wear, you create fine traces, shades and nuances in your leather piece. The garment becomes alive and more unique by the wear – telling your story.
Find out more about how to care for your DRYKORN leather piece in our Care Guide.
Leather @DRYKORN
For our leather products, we exclusively select leather that is a by-product of the food industry. We never use exotic skins, real fur or materials from endangered species. In addition, all our partners are audited by the Leather Working Group (LWG) and we only work with tanneries that have been awarded gold or silver certification. The LWG is committed to high environmental and quality standards in water and energy consumption, waste management, chemical management and safety in leather production.
When it comes to our materials, we focus not only on quality but also on responsible manufacturing. We are continuously improving our manufacturing process and are always open to alternatives that match or even surpass natural leather in terms of longevity, durability and environmental aspects.
FOR BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS.
08/2025