Let’s Talk About Leather: An Ongoing Conversation at Vaskala
At Vaskala, conversations about the materials we use are not only frequent — they’re passionate. One topic that comes up again and again? Leather.
This post isn’t meant to draw a line in the sand. Instead, we’re sharing our perspective to invite you into the discussion. Because we believe progress begins with openness.
We care — about the planet and the people on it.
As an Earth-conscious brand, we’re constantly re-evaluating whether natural leather aligns with our values. It's not a black-and-white issue, and we don’t pretend it is. But here’s why, for now, we’ve chosen to work with it:
Why We Use Natural Leather
1. It's a by-product.
Leather used in our bags is a by-product of the meat industry. Cows aren’t raised or slaughtered to make accessories — the leather exists regardless. If unused, it often ends up in landfills or buried. By repurposing it, we reduce waste and give it a second life.
2. It’s durable and ages beautifully.
Natural leather is strong, flexible, and built to last. Over time, it develops a unique patina — the kind of wear that tells a story. Some bags from the 1970s still look incredible. That’s the kind of longevity we aim for.
3. It’s repairable.
We believe in fixing, not discarding. That’s why we offer a repair service to breathe new life into your beloved Vaskala bag. A little care can go a long way — and we’re here to help.
4. It’s compostable.
At the end of its life, natural leather (along with the cardboard we use for structure) will naturally break down. The only elements that won’t decompose are the metal hardware and some lining. Not sure what to do with an old bag? Reach out — we’ll help you figure out the best end-of-life solution.
It's not perfect — but it’s our current best option.
We dream of a cruelty-free future for our industry. Until then, we’re doing our best to balance environmental impact, quality, and affordability — and natural leather currently fits that equation for us.
But we’re not standing still. We’re actively exploring alternative materials and would love to hear your ideas. If you know of a better way — something more sustainable, ethical, or innovative — tell us. This is a conversation we want to keep having.
With care,
Ērika Rudika
Founder, Vaskala
