Recycled Leather Tiles
An analysis of recycled leather tiles for use in your home.
Description
♦ Recycled leather tiles are made from scrap leather either with 100% content or combined with natural rubber and tree bark; compressed with natural binding agent.
♦ Source plant/vegetable tanned cowhide made from tree bark.
♦ Some tiles are made from the same material as found in the soles of your shoes.
♦ Available in standard sizes or custom sizes to order.
♦ Natural patina, texture and colour can vary greatly from tile to tile – giving a characteristic appearance.
Installation
♦ Adhesive or magnetic systems available.
♦ Source natural and non chemical adhesives.
Uses
♦ Suitable for residential and commercial wall and floor installations.
♦ Unsuitable for areas with a lot of moisture (kitchens, bathrooms, ensuites).
♦ Unsuitable for areas with low levels of humidity and high temperatures.
♦ Unsuitable for areas located near the exterior e.g. hallways & entrances.
♦ Sound absorption qualities mean rooms such as dens, bedrooms, playrooms, entertainment rooms and dining rooms are ideal settings for this material.
♦ Suitable for both contemporary and traditional interior schemes.
♦ Use contrasting colours to create borders around the edge of the floor or chequerboard patterns.
♦ On the wall, use the tiles up to dado rail height for a warm yet unobtrusive effect.
Advantages
♦ Warm to touch and warm underfoot.
♦ Leather holds natural fire resistant properties.
♦ Great at absorbing sound.
♦ Soft and tactile, inviting you to touch and feel.
♦ Can be dyed with a large variety of colours.
♦ Anti-allergic as they do not attract and trap dust like carpets.
♦ Good insulating qualities.
Disadvantages
♦ Avoid positioning in an area which is exposed to direct sunlight as colour will fade.
♦ Depending on the quality of the leather floor tile, indentations from furniture and static loads may be caused.
Embodied Energy
♦ Transportation and distribution from overseas increase the levels of embodied energy.
♦ If leather tiles are not made with recycled content, virgin leather products use a large amount or natural resources and energy are used to breed cows for their hide.
Source/Origin
♦ The majority of leather processing is in Asia and the Far East where minimal regulations are in place for employees.
Renewable
♦ Industrial waste of cowhide is in abundance from various industries, although manufacturing ethics and animal welfare may not be upheld by all.
Environment & Health
♦ Sourcing reclaimed and recycled leather tiles to reduce the amount of waste bound for landfill sites.
♦ Some chemical additives are typically used to tan the cowhide, which damage both the surrounding natural environment and are linked to negative health effect in humans (some treatments are known carcinogens).
♦ Source vegetable based tanning additives for a natural and non toxic alternative with low or zero VOC emissions.
♦ Some manufacturers in the leather industry exploit animals and raise them inhumanely.
♦ Source leather that is certified organic where animals have been treated kindly.
Performance
♦ Durable.
Maintenance
♦ Use a soft brush daily to remove dirt and dust or wash with a damp mop.
♦ Can be hoovered.
♦ Twice a year treat with natural bees wax or natural carnauba wax.
Recycled content
♦ Source leather that has high levels of post industrial recycled content, 100% recycled leather tiles are the ideal.
Recyclable
♦ n/a
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