Materials
The material is the soul of each object. Lo Esencial is made with the most resistant, sustainable and durable organic materials we have been able to find.
Below we explain a little more in detail about them.
Genuine leather.
No regrets.
Our objects are made with genuine leather, full grain (full grain, the highest quality in leather), which has a special tanning based on vegetable oils, without using aggressive chemicals. This allows us to have a less polluting, more resistant and durable material, which improves with use and changes over the years, showing the history of each piece made. By using a material as valuable and durable as leather, treated with the appropriate processes, we greatly minimize the environmental impact that other petroleum-derived materials produce. A good leather wallet has the same lifespan as 10 synthetic wallets. Less obsolescence and greater value to the object.
Why do we use genuine leather?
We are aware of the environmental and sustainability implications (both myths and realities) that the use of genuine leather in objects can have, but we remain firm that it is one of the best materials to make everyday objects.
But why?
A good object improves with use. Dieter Rams mentions in one of his principles of good design that an object should be durable. Genuine leather due to its intrinsic characteristics is a material that allows us to achieve this, as it improves and takes on more character over time, being able to provide utility and style for generations without being obsolete.
It is not a petroleum derivative. Most of the alternatives to the material (vegan leather) are plastics or blends of natural fibers with different polymers, having a high impact on waste generation. In addition, the durability of real leather is much greater than that of these materials.
Vegetable tanning. By treating the leather with tannins and vegetable oils, as well as obtaining a better feel and texture, less water is contaminated than with chrome tanning processes, obtaining the best of both worlds.
It is practically a recycled material. The skin (at least the one we use), we are 100% sure that it is a secondary product of the food industry, so if we analyze it from this perspective, it is given utility through transformation processes to a waste material.
We simply want your items to look better than the first day after hundreds of days of use, and genuine leather is one of the few materials out there that actually improves with use, and we achieve this very important part of our manifesto.
Leather, like wood, is an organic, noble and changing material. Every day that you interact with the object the material improves, it adapts to you; for us that is important. In addition, achieving well-designed objects in more durable materials is our way of raising awareness about less obsolescence. You don't need more objects, just better ones.
It is important to mention that all the skins we use are a secondary waste from the Mexican food industry, being practically a recycled material. We do not use exotic, imported or regulated skins, and we are not in favor of using them. The "classic" tone of the leather is our characteristic reddish brown, and because it is a natural material it may vary a little from the tone you see in the pictures, and to pieces from previous batches.
Once the genuine leather or hide we use reaches the end of its useful life, it can be easily recycled to create materials from recovered leather fibers, which for example we incorporate as stiffness in some products like our portfolio Pliego® portfolio.
Remember that leather, like wood, is an organic material, so it can show some natural marks such as small scars or variations, and requires proper maintenance to keep it hydrated and in perfect condition. Pro-Tip: use our maintenance kit for a longer durability on your items.
Wool and natural cotton.
We use wool and natural cotton to complement some of our products. They are soft and durable materials, which will protect the interior of each object in the best way. In addition, these materials combine perfectly with all our details.
Honest materials, changeable with the passage of time and improving with use. The use of natural materials with high durability and quality contributes to minimize the unconscious consumption of objects and materials derived from petroleum. A good leather wallet lasts for generations, reducing the consumption cycle.
Care and maintenance.
With daily use (or by accident) it is possible that your objects come into contact with liquids and other substances. Being a vegetable tanned leather, it can absorb these agents and cause stains or marks.
Do not worry about this, most likely, with maintenance and care, these details can be cleaned, and at the same time, they can be polished and protected.
For the care and maintenance of your pieces we recommend using only pumpkin soap and beaver grease; these elements allow you to clean the skin of foreign stains to the material, and moisturize it to renew its shine and texture.
Learn more about our Maintenance KitsThese include everything you need to care for, protect and renew your items for even longer.