Leather in the Circular Economy: Can Full-Grain Leather Be Recycled?

For those who prioritize sustainable living, it’s important to invest in materials that are good for people and the planet. We believe that full-grain leather is one of these materials! While some people might criticize leather for its inability to be recycled, we know that full-grain leather still plays an important part in the circular economy

The circular economy model aims to minimize waste and maximize the lifespan of products, keeping materials in continuous use through recycling, upcycling, and second-hand markets. When it comes to leather—especially full-grain leather—many wonder if it can truly be part of this sustainable movement. At Elevate, we believe that full-grain leather doesn’t just fit within a circular economy, but is actually a more sustainable option compared to synthetic alternatives.

Let's explore how full-grain leather can be recycled, repurposed, and reused within a circular fashion economy!

Can Full-Grain Leather Be Recycled?

Unlike synthetic materials, which often degrade into microplastics and have limited recyclability, full-grain real leather has the ability to be reprocessed in several ways. While traditional mechanical recycling of leather into new material is challenging due to its fibrous structure, several innovative approaches are making leather recycling more feasible:

1. Rebonded Leather in the Circular Economy

Rebonded leather, also known as bonded leather, is an eco-conscious material created by recycling leather scraps and offcuts that would otherwise go to waste. These discarded pieces are ground into fine particles and then bonded together using natural latex or other environmentally friendly adhesives to form a composite material.

While rebonded leather does not retain the luxurious texture, durability, or aging properties of full-grain or top-grain leather, it offers several benefits. It is more cost-effective, provides a consistent appearance, and reduces the environmental impact of leather waste. The material is often used for upholstery, bookbinding, belts, and fashion accessories.

By repurposing leather scraps into a usable product, rebonded leather supports sustainability in the leather industry by minimizing waste and extending the lifecycle of raw materials.

2. Chemical Recycling

Chemical recycling is an innovative and evolving method that breaks down leather waste at a molecular level to recover valuable components, primarily collagen fibers. Leather is predominantly made of collagen, a natural protein that gives it strength and flexibility. Through chemical processes, this collagen can be extracted, purified, and repurposed into various new materials, reducing the environmental impact of leather waste.

One of the most promising applications of chemically recycled leather is in the production of bioplastics. By converting collagen into gelatin-like compounds, manufacturers can create biodegradable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. These bio-based materials can be used in packaging, coatings, and even 3D printing applications.

Upcycling: Extending Leather’s Life Cycle

Full-grain leather is prized for its durability, aging beautifully over time rather than wearing out. This resilience makes it an ideal candidate for upcycling—a process that extends the life cycle of leather goods by creatively repurposing them into new, high-value products.

Rather than discarding old or damaged leather items, artisans and designers transform them into new products such as wallets, belts, handbags, footwear, or even home décor items like coasters and furniture accents. This approach not only reduces the demand for virgin leather production but also preserves the craftsmanship and history embedded in the material.

Many luxury brands and independent artisans, including Elevate, have embraced upcycling as a way to merge sustainability with artistry. By reworking leather remnants, vintage pieces, or factory scraps, into recycled materials they create one-of-a-kind, high-end products that stand apart from mass-produced items in the supply chain. This process can involve techniques such as patchworking, hand-stitching, embossing, or reconditioning leather to restore its luster.

Upcycling not only reduces landfill waste and the carbon footprint of leather production but also encourages a more thoughtful approach to consumption. Instead of viewing leather as disposable, upcycling highlights its potential for reinvention—proving that quality materials can have multiple lives when handled with care and creativity.

The Second-Hand Leather Market

One of the most impactful ways to extend the life cycle of leather goods is through second-hand markets, which allow well-crafted leather items to be reused, resold, and re-loved instead of being discarded. Because leather can be easily repaired, conditioned, and restored, second-hand markets provide an ideal avenue for keeping these products in use, reducing waste, and minimizing the need for new leather production. As a bonus, it also creates accessible options for leather products for all budgets and lifestyles!

With growing consumer interest in sustainable fashion and circular economy principles, the resale market for leather goods has expanded significantly. Today, there are more options than ever for buying and selling second-hand real leather products, including thrift stores & vintage shops, consignment shops, and online resale platforms.

Leather vs. Synthetic Alternatives

Leather often receives an unfair reputation when compared to “vegan” synthetic leathers, which are largely plastic-based. While marketed as sustainable, most vegan leathers are derived from petroleum, making them a significant contributor to microplastic pollution. These materials also have limited end-of-life solutions, often ending up in landfills where they do not break down naturally.

In contrast, real leather is a byproduct of the meat and dairy industry that would otherwise go to waste, preventing over seven million tons of material from being discarded each year. Additionally, full-grain leather is biodegradable and does not release harmful microplastics into the environment. When properly cared for, high-quality leather goods can last for decades, making them a more durable and environmentally responsible choice compared to many synthetic leathers.

Elevate’s Commitment to Sustainable Leather

At Elevate, we are committed to both ethical and sustainable practices. We source from Leather Working Group certified tanneries that uphold rigorous environmental standards, ensuring responsible waste management, chemical safety, and worker protection. Our vegetable-tanned leather contains minimal toxins, making it safer for both the environment and the consumer.

We Prioritize:

Waste Reduction: By utilizing a byproduct of the food industry, we prevent excessive waste.
Durability & Repairability: Our leather goods are designed to last a lifetime and can be repaired rather than discarded.
End-of-Life Degradability: Unlike synthetic alternatives, leather naturally breaks down over time.
Artisan Support: We pay above a living wage, ensuring that our products benefit both people and the planet.