The Materials
Vegetable Tanned Leather
Leather tanning is the process of turning hide into leather. It can be undertaken using a variety of methods, broadly categorised into either vegetable or chemical tanning.
The vegetable leather tanning process is a technique that has been around for centuries and there are only a small number of tanneries today in the UK practising this traditional craft. Read on to find out why we love vegetable tanned leather and believe it is a genuinely sustainable material.
Natural, Beautiful, Long-Lasting
There are two key factors that distinguish vegetable tanning from chemical tanning; the liquid type and the production time.
Vegetable tanning uses gentle, chemical-free liquids, derived from natural products such as tree bark, leaves, berries and other organic matter, to transform the hide. The process can take up to 14 months and, owing to this gentle approach, the natural fibres of the hide are protected, resulting in a more natural looking, beautiful, strong and long lasting leather.
It also retains that lovely smell and feel associated with traditionally tanned pure leather.
More Environmentally-Friendly
The chemical-free process of vegetable tanning is more friendly to the environment and the health of people working in the tanneries, and this is just another reason why we love vegetable tanned leather. It uses natural ingredients and man power, rather than the machines and harsh chemicals used in modern methods.
But sadly, there are only a few remaining traditional leather tanneries in the UK today. The long and labour intensive production process is costly, making it difficult for traditional tanneries to compete, and these skills are increasingly being lost.
Supporting Traditional Tanneries and British Makers
Consumers can help to support traditional tanneries by buying locally sourced vegetable tanned leather products. Not only will this help keep tanneries alive, it also allows British leather bag makers like CARV to create beautiful, long-lasting leather products that contribute towards better, more sustainable UK production.
At CARV we hand select only the finest quality vegetable tanned leather to make our leather bags and accessories.
Our Full Grain Leather Goods Collection
Let customers speak for us
Another stunning bag from CARV
Such craftsmanship and quality, I’m really pleased with the size, design and finish.
Thank you very much again !
Exactly what I wanted, great workmanship
Love it.
This beautiful leather hanger makes the space pleasant and warm!
Bought this wallet for a gift for my partner and he absolutely loves it! Really great quality and lovely leather
This is the bag I've been looking for - I needed something small and compact to carry a few bits and this is more than I could have hoped for! It is clearly made with care and is a beauty - thank you!
This purse is a dream! The leather is so soft and has a wonderful texture. The purse holds plenty of cards with a generous coin pocket. I just love it!
Honestly one of the most beautiful bags I've seen! Perfectly made and such a lovely size, I couldn't be happier. Will definitely be back!
Beautifully crafted from top-quality materials. I opted for the zip version and initially had concerns that the zipper might stick out awkwardly, but it’s seamlessly integrated into the design. Every detail feels carefully considered, and the finish is flawless. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone in the market for a British-made wallet.
This cross body pioneer is gorgeous… click the cheeky inner pocket that means you can just pop your phone or keys in. Just the right size. Top quality, thank you again x
I stumbled across Carv by accident whilst searching for a quality leather bum bag for my holiday.
I immediately fell in love with the Sedna - exactly what I was looking for.
Unboxing, it was even more gorgeous. Great quality leather, fabulous design. First purchase of many
I purchased this product about eight years ago at Broadway Market and have loved it ever since. I've been using it as both a cardholder and a wallet, and it's still in excellent condition. Therefore I purchased a couple more online this time!
Point for improvement: I noticed that the colour options online could be clearer. It would be helpful to have a colour map or images when selecting colours, as I found it difficult to distinguish between ‘burnt’ and ‘natural.’
Amazing as usual! never disapoimted with anything I buy from Carv, Becky you are amazing! thanks so much xx
Just gorgeous, I buy Carv bags for my daughter’s birthdays for a while now and they are always received with absolute joy, used every day and lovingly looked after. I cannot recommend the styling, quality of materials and workmanship highly enough.
I am obsessed with my new CARV bag - never has a bag been so beautifully made! I can't wait for future purchases - Beckys craftsmanship is exquisite!
Beautiful leather and beautifully made purse. I didnt give five stars as I find it a little to ‘deep’ for me to see the coins and pick them up, but I’m an ‘older’ person so this mightn’t be a problem for others.
