Leather is a sustainable upholstery material
The primary function of a hide is to protect an animal from the outside world (climate, injuries, etc.), making it a tough, strong, and extremely flexible material. Thousands of fibers are interwoven in countless directions. During tanning, this structure is preserved, allowing leather to retain its characteristic properties. In other words, a piece of furniture upholstered with high-quality leather often lasts for decades. This not only means that the furniture's upholstery lasts a long time but also that the furniture itself (wooden structure, foam, suspension, etc.) lasts much longer.
Moreover, leather is also easy to repair in case of minor superficial damage.
Stolz sources hides exclusively from Europe
At Stolz we source all our hides from Norway, Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland. This commitment isn't just about the impeccable quality of the hides themselves – their impressive size, cutting yield, and superior touch.
More importantly, it's about the uncompromising animal welfare standards upheld in these European nations.
Europe is still the continent with the strictest animal welfare laws, ensuring a respectful treatment of cattle.
These laws are built upon the fundamental Five Freedoms of Cattle Welfare:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst: Cattle have access to clean drinking water and sufficient, good quality food.
- Freedom from physical discomfort: Cattle are housed in an environment suitable for their natural behavior, free from pain, injury, and disease.
- Freedom from pain, injury, and disease: Cattle receive preventive care and prompt treatment for illness or injury.
- Freedom to express normal behavior: Cattle have the opportunity to exhibit natural behaviors like lying, standing, moving, socializing, and exploring.
- Freedom from fear and stress: Cattle are protected from situations causing fear, stress, or suffering.
By choosing our leather, you're not just selecting a superior product; you're supporting a supply chain that prioritizes ethical and responsible practices from farm to finish.