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EcoLeatherLab
Sustainable tanning • traceable, small-batch leather

Leather with a conscience — low-impact tanning and artisanal finishing

EcoLeatherLab is a research-driven atelier and small-batch tannery that develops and applies environmentally responsible leather processing methods tailored for designers and conscious brands. We combine historic vegetable tanning techniques with modern enzymatic processing and robust water reuse strategies so that the final material offers the durability and tactile richness of traditional full-grain leather while dramatically reducing toxic effluent and energy consumption. Our work sits at the intersection of material science, craft, and supply-chain transparency — we pilot formulations, monitor resource use, and provide material passports that document origin, process steps and finishing treatments for each production run.

We believe that premium leather need not come at the expense of ecosystems or community health. By prioritizing traceable hides, minimized chemical loads, and repeatable finishing techniques, EcoLeatherLab delivers leather that performs to the expectations of high-end design while meeting emerging sustainability criteria and procurement policies. The atelier model lets us run test batches, iterate quickly on dye recipes and assess wear and aging in controlled accelerated tests. This combination of science and craft enables designers to specify materials confidently, with supporting data about longevity, patina development and environmental impact.

Our Services Get in touch

Email: ecoleatherlab@live.com • Address: Service Rd, Luritja Road, Kings Canyon, NT 0872, Australia

About EcoLeatherLab

EcoLeatherLab began as a collaboration between material scientists, small-scale tanners and sustainable-design practitioners. Our mission is to create leathers that are demonstrably lower in environmental impact while retaining the tactile, aging and repairable qualities valued by makers and consumers. We operate a compact pilot tannery where we run batches small enough to allow experimentation with alternative tannins, enzyme sequences and low-toxicity dyes, yet structured enough to generate production-ready material for designers. Our laboratory workflows include batch documentation, analytic testing of tanning liquors, accelerated UV and abrasion testing, and a strict sampling protocol to ensure reproducibility.

We place special attention on water stewardship. Leather processing is traditionally water-intensive; EcoLeatherLab reduces freshwater extraction through staged reuse, sediment capture, and membrane polishing for reuse in non-critical rinse stages. Solid residues from processing are captured, dewatered and handled according to local regulations, with a strong emphasis on recovering useful organic fractions for safe disposal or further processing. These measures reduce effluent volumes and lower chemical loads entering municipal systems.

Additionally, we maintain an ethical sourcing policy. Where possible we source hides from suppliers who can document animal welfare and traceability. We believe transparency in origin is a prerequisite to true sustainability. Each production run at EcoLeatherLab is accompanied by a material passport that lists hide origin, process steps, dyes and finishing recipes so that brands can incorporate the material into product labels and sustainability reports.

Artisan finishing and lab testing

Advantages of Our Approach

Traceability & transparency

Every batch carries a documented material passport showing hide origin, processing steps, chemical inputs and finishing recipes. This transparency supports brand storytelling and compliance with procurement standards.

Low-impact chemistries

We prioritize vegetable tannins, enzymatic pre-tanning, and reduced-metal alternatives. Where chrome is required for specific performance, we use minimal doses and implement recovery and containment strategies that prevent environmental release.

Small-batch customization

Our production scale is intentionally small to allow bespoke colorways, wax and oil finishes, and edge treatments — ideal for designers and makers who want differentiated materials without large minimum orders.

Finished eco leather goods

Operational sustainability measures

Services — from R&D to production-ready leather

Pilot & R&D Tanning: We run pilot tanning programs to evaluate alternative tannins, enzyme sequences and dye systems. These programs include analytic sampling to measure residuals, tensile strength, elongation, and colorfastness. Designers can test small quantities before committing to larger runs, reducing risk and ensuring the material meets product specifications.

Small-Batch Production: For makers and small brands, EcoLeatherLab offers production runs sized for artisanal goods — wallets, bags, small upholstery panels and footwear components. Each batch is finished according to the agreed recipe and shipped with documentation and recommended care instructions.

Consultancy & Process Migration: We assist existing tanneries in migrating away from high-impact chemistries by advising on process substitution, water management upgrades, and staged implementation strategies that minimize downtime and financial disruption.

Testing & Material Passports: We provide laboratory testing on mechanical properties, accelerated aging, colorfastness and residue analysis, and we prepare a material passport to facilitate downstream compliance and consumer transparency.

Workshops & Training: EcoLeatherLab offers workshops for designers and small tanners on low-impact finishing techniques, edge work, wax treatments, and simple strategies for water reuse and solvent reduction.

Laboratory and finishing services

Work with EcoLeatherLab

Email: ecoleatherlab@live.com

Address: Service Rd, Luritja Road, Kings Canyon, NT 0872, Australia

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