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Multiple rolls of leather sheets in various colors

Tuscan Vegetable-Tanned Leather. Trademarked

The Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium is a group of tanneries in Tuscany, Italy, that produce high-quality leather using traditional vegetable tanning methods.

The Consortium uses a quality trademark to identify its products and guarantee that they meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Consortium Trademark Criteria

To receive certification, tanneries must comply with strict social, environmental, and economical criteria. The consortium mandates the use of vegetable tanning methods that are free of harmful chemicals and follow a traditional, artisanal process. Tanneries must use natural tannins from sustainable forestry and have advanced water purification systems to prevent pollution. Social responsibility is also a key criterion, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and compliance with ethical labor standards.

No Animal is Killed for its Skin

The raw hides utilized by the consortium’s affiliated tanneries originate from cattle raised for the food sector in European farms that adhere to EU animal welfare regulations. These tanneries harness the by-products of the food industry, effectively addressing the issue of waste management while adding value.

Consortium Trademark Certification
The Consortium’s products have a unique serial number on their product tag for easy identification and tracing.

Consortium Trademark Certification

In order to ensure that the product is truly certified, the Consortium uses a quality trademark that identifies the leather as a product of the Consortium, and includes a unique serial number to track its origin and production. This ensures that customers can be confident that they are purchasing a product made with the highest standards of social and environmental sustainability, as well as supporting the local Tuscan economy.

The Significance of the Consortium Certification

By providing a certification that guarantees the highest standards of social and environmental sustainability, The Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium ensures that customers can make informed and ethical choices. This not only supports local economies, but also promotes sustainable and responsible production methods that help protect the environment and workers’ rights.

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Best barks

The Greenbark  Team

This product contains content produced according to the Mass Balance Approach.

As a dog owner, you might be surprised to learn that the products you use to care for your furry friend could be contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the mass balance approach offers a solution to mitigate the environmental impact of the chemical industry and transition towards sustainable practices.

This approach involves mixing both renewable and non-renewable feedstocks in the chemical production process while ensuring that the amount of sustainable feedstocks used is certified.

While the mass balance approach allows companies to continue using non-renewable feedstocks at a reduced rate, proponents argue that it provides a more realistic and achievable pathway towards sustainability.

Despite some criticisms, the mass balance approach offers a practical and scalable tool for promoting sustainability in the chemical industry and represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

FURTHER READING

If you’re interested in learning more about this approach, here are some  links to helpful resources :

The Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium promotes sustainable and ethical leather production practices in the Tuscany region using traditional vegetable tanning methods that ensure no animals are killed for their skins.

Highlights of Tuscan Vegetable Tanned Leather

  • Made with natural extracts from chestnut, mimosa, and quebracho trees.
  • Produced in Tuscany, Italy, where the art of vegetable tanning has been practiced for centuries.
  • The production process adheres to strict European standards for environmental and social responsibility, ensuring minimal impact on the planet and the communities involved.
  • Products made with Tuscan Vegetable-Tanned Leather are free from harmful chemicals and meet high standards for animal welfare.
  • The leather is durable, with a unique character that develops over time as it ages gracefully.
  • The use of Tuscan Vegetable-Tanned Leather supports the local circular economy, preserving a tradition that is deeply rooted in the Tuscan territory.

FURTHER READING:

For more information on the Consortium’s commitment to sustainable and ethical leather production practices, please visit their website at https://www.pellealvegetale.it/en/.

Alternatively, you can refer to our brief overview of their initiatives by clicking here.

This product contains leather trademarked by The Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium.

The Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium promotes sustainable and ethical leather production practices in the Tuscany region using traditional vegetable tanning methods that ensure no animals are killed for their skins.

Certification Standards

The Consortium’s certification standards are designed to ensure that products are made using traditional vegetable tanning methods and meet social, environmental, economic, and cultural criteria that prioritize fair labor practices, environmental sustainability, local economic support and the preservation and continuation of traditional techniques and craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations.

By adhering to these principles, the Consortium ensures that its member organizations produce high-quality leather goods that are both culturally and environmentally sustainable.

Transparency and Traceability

Through this certification process, the Consortium also aims to create greater transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, giving consumers the ability to make informed decisions about the products they purchase.

The Consortium’s guarantee label, “Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana,” is an anti-counterfeiting label with a unique serial number that allows consumers to verify the authenticity of their products, while also providing information about the materials and production processes used.

Sustainability and Responsibility

By prioritizing sustainability and transparency, the Consortium hopes to create a more sustainable and responsible leather industry that values both people and the environment.

FURTHER READING:

For more information on the Consortium’s commitment to sustainable and ethical leather production practices, please visit their website at https://www.pellealvegetale.it/en/.

What is silicone made of?

Food grade silicone is a type of silicone that is safe for use in food preparation, storage, and cooking. It is made from a combination of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. The raw materials for food grade silicone are obtained primarily from silica, which is a naturally occurring mineral.

Where is silicone manufactured?

Food grade silicone is manufactured in a variety of locations around the world, including Asia, Europe, and North America. The production process involves mixing the raw materials together and then curing them under heat and pressure.

How sustainable is silicone?

The sustainability of food grade silicone production depends on a number of factors, including the source of the raw materials and the energy used in the manufacturing process. In general, food grade silicone production is considered to be relatively sustainable when compared to other materials, such as plastic. The main issues with silicone is that it’s not curbside recyclable; its production process uses fossil fuels and requires a large amount of energy; and it doesn’t biodegrade. 

Is silicone more sustainable than plastic?

Silicone is often considered to be a more sustainable alternative to plastic, as it is durable and long-lasting and while not perfect, the silicone production process does cut down on fossil fuel usage compared to plastic. Additionally, unlike plastic, silicone does not create microplastics or release harmful chemicals when it is heated or exposed to sunlight and other environmental forces.

Silicone sustainability claims

To claim sustainability, a silicone product must be certified by an independent organization that verifies the product has met certain sustainability standards. These standards may include the use of renewable energy, the sourcing of raw materials, and the product’s recyclability and biodegradability.

Is silicone biodegradable?

Silicone is not biodegradable, meaning it does not break down naturally in the environment and can create additional waste if not managed properly. 

Can silicone be recycled after use?

If you want to recycle silicone at home, you can do so by taking it to a recycling center or by sending it to a company that specializes in recycling silicone. It is also possible to recycle silicone by using it as a feedstock for energy production. Alternatively, you can try to upcycle your silicone product by giving it a new purpose, like using a silicone dog bowl as a flower or plant pot.

So is silicone actually sustainable?

In summary, food grade silicone is a safe, sustainable material that is made from natural resources, and it can be recycled and repurposed. It is a better alternative to plastic in terms of its durability, chemical emissions, and energy consumption. To ensure that a silicone product is sustainable, it should be certified by an independent organization. In addition, due to the non-biodegradability of silicone, minimal environmental impact from its use requires that careful management and responsible recycling should always be practiced.