Industrialism and Leather

With the increasing demand for leather articles especially footwear, came the need for different types of leather and softer varieties of leather. With the introduction of Chromium to the tanning process as well as various refined oils, the leather became softer and more versatile.

A variety of dyes and other synthetic materials were introduced into the manufacture and crafting of leather. More refined versions of leather like suede and nubuck were also introduced. The crafting process too saw changes including the gradual slide away from handcrafted items and the introduction of precision machinery.

This industrialization of the leather trade is primarily responsible for its ability to cater to the modern market and supply the demand for leather goods.

In one form or another, leather has been a part of man’s life from time immemorial. Whether through necessity or from a desire to beautify his surroundings, man has used leather for a variety of purposes and still continues to do so today.