What is Vegetable-Tanned Leather?
If you’ve ever held a leather piece that felt rich, earthy, and full of character, there’s a good chance it was vegetable-tanned. But what exactly does that mean?
Vegetable tanning is one of the oldest and most natural methods of tanning leather—done using tannins found in plants, tree bark, leaves, and fruit. Unlike chrome tanning (which is faster and more common), veg-tanning is a slower, traditional process that can take weeks. But it’s absolutely worth the wait.
The result? A beautifully firm leather that softens with age and develops a rich patina over time—meaning your bag or wallet only gets better the more you use it. No two pieces age the same, so yours ends up telling a story that's completely personal.
Why we love it
Veg-tanned leather isn’t just about looks—it’s also a more conscious choice. It’s biodegradable, free from harsh chemicals, and often sourced from more sustainable practices. When it’s certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), you know it’s been produced in a tannery that meets high environmental and ethical standards—minimising water use, improving energy efficiency, and managing waste responsibly.
At Juju & Co, we specifically choose LWG-certified, vegetable-tanned leather because it aligns with our values: beautiful design, thoughtful sourcing, and a lighter footprint. It’s leather done right—from start to finish.
So, in short: it’s natural, durable, responsible—and just gets better with age.