Leather is a popular material used in the fashion industry for its durability and luxurious feel. But have you ever heard of veal leather?
It’s a lesser-known type of leather that comes from cows that are older than calves, but still young enough to produce a unique texture and character.
In this article, we’ll explore what veal leather is, how it differs from calfskin leather, and the ethical considerations surrounding its production.
So, let’s dive in and discover the world of veal leather.
What Is Veal Leather?
Veal leather is a type of leather that comes from cows that are typically three to six months old. These cows are older than calves, but still young enough to produce a unique texture and character in their hides.
Compared to calfskin leather, veal leather has a coarser grain, but it still has a rich and luxurious feel. It’s often used in casual footwear, but can also be found in other fashion items such as bags and jackets.
How Veal Leather Differs From Calfskin Leather
Veal leather differs from calfskin leather in a few key ways. Firstly, the age of the animal from which the leather is sourced is different. Veal leather comes from cows that are older than calves, whereas calfskin leather comes from the skin of young calves.
Secondly, the texture of veal leather is coarser than that of calfskin leather. This means that veal leather may not have the same smoothness and fine grain that calfskin leather has. However, despite this coarser texture, veal leather still has a rich and luxurious feel to it.
Lastly, due to its coarser texture, veal leather is often used in more casual fashion items such as footwear. Calfskin leather, on the other hand, is often used in high-end fashion items such as handbags and wallets.
The Production Process Of Veal Leather
The production process of veal leather is a complex and multi-step process that involves several phases. The process begins with the preparation of raw materials, which includes the selection of high-quality hides from young cows. These hides are then cleaned and prepped for tanning.
Once the hides are ready, they are soaked in a saltwater solution to remove any remaining flesh and fat. This process is called “liming,” and it also helps to loosen the hair from the hide. After liming, the hides are de-haired using a machine or by hand.
The next step in the process is tanning, which involves treating the hides with chemicals to make them more durable and resistant to water. The most common type of tanning used in veal leather production is chrome tanning, which involves treating the hides with chromium salts.
After tanning, the hides are dried and then softened. This process is called “fatliquoring,” and it involves adding oils or fats to the leather to make it more supple and flexible. The leather is then dyed to achieve the desired color.
The final stage in the production process is finishing, which involves adding a protective coating to the leather to make it more resistant to wear and tear. This can include adding a layer of wax or resin to the surface of the leather.
The Ethical Considerations Of Veal Leather Production
Veal leather production raises ethical concerns due to the way in which it is obtained. To produce veal leather, unborn or very young calves are typically used. This means that the calves are removed from their mothers’ wombs before they are born or shortly after birth. This process is known as “bob veal” and is considered inhumane by many animal welfare organizations.
Furthermore, the conditions in which these young calves are raised are often cramped and unsanitary. They are frequently kept in small pens or stalls with little room to move around. This can lead to health problems and stress for the animals.
The use of veal leather also supports the veal industry, which has been criticized for its treatment of animals. Many veal calves are raised in confinement and fed a diet that is deficient in nutrients. They are often subjected to painful procedures such as dehorning and castration without anesthesia.
For these reasons, many consumers choose to avoid veal leather and opt for alternative materials. There are now many synthetic and plant-based alternatives to leather that offer similar texture and durability without the ethical concerns associated with animal leather production.
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Using Veal Leather In Fashion
Veal leather has some benefits and drawbacks when it comes to using it in fashion. One benefit is that it is a durable material that can last for many years if cared for properly. It also has a unique texture and character that can add a touch of luxury to fashion items.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using veal leather. One major concern is the ethical implications of using leather from young cows. Many people are opposed to the veal industry and may not want to support it by purchasing veal leather products. Additionally, the leather industry as a whole has been criticized for its negative impact on the environment and worker safety.
Another drawback of veal leather is that it may not be as soft or supple as other types of leather, such as calfskin. This can make it less desirable for use in high-end luxury fashion items.
Alternatives To Veal Leather: Sustainable And Ethical Options
If you’re looking for a more sustainable and ethical alternative to veal leather, there are several options available in the market today. One of the most popular options is plant-based leather, which is made from natural materials such as pineapple leaf fibers, grape waste, and apple cores and peels.
Piñatex is a type of plant-based leather made from pineapple leaf fibers. It’s a more responsible material that supports local farming communities by providing extra income from something that was previously being discarded as waste. Portuguese label Nae uses this innovative material in a number of their stylish shoes.
Vegea, also known as wine leather, is another plant-based option made using grape waste leftover from wine production in Italy. It has been used by brands like Bentley, & Other Stories, and Pangaia. AppleSkin by Frumat is yet another plant-based leather alternative that recovers apple cores and peels from the apple processing industry in South Tyrol.
Apart from plant-based leather, there are also ethical animal leathers that can be considered. These include those sourced from indigenous tribes, wild-caught and overpopulated animals who have a lower impact on the environment. Deer, fish, frog and responsibly sourced exotic leather are some examples of ethical animal leathers.
In addition to these options, vintage and secondhand leather goods are also good alternatives as it helps extend the life of preloved clothes. More so, lab-grown leather – just as we have lab-grown meat to combat animal cruelty and to reduce the environmental destruction of cattle rearing – is soon becoming a reality too.