Our Sustainable Initiatives

Garrett Leather is sensitive to the natural environment and the impact we make on natural resources. We incorporate responsible behavior in every aspect of day-to-day business. When considering different upholstery materials, leather is an environmentally-friendly option.

Download our Sustainability Product Ratings and Certifications Brochure

Partnerships with a Purpose

• As a privately owned, family-run business, we partner with European tanneries whose values align with ours
• Our partners desire to follow responsible production practices for themselves, their families and their communities
• Our European tanneries are REACH compliant

Non-Toxic Composition

• Many of our products offer antibacterial protection, as well as stain and water resistance, requiring little maintenance and eliminating the need for harsh cleaning chemicals
• Our leather does not contain conflict materials, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), polyvinylchloride (PVC), bisphenol A(BPA), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), plastics, heavy metals or phthalates
• We fabricate Wall Panels and Cast Panels using no added urea formaldehyde (NAUF) MDF to protect the health of those handling and living with our Wall Panels
• We make Welt Cord and Rug Binding seams using water-based, GREENGUARD certified adhesive
• We use salt-based flame retardants to treat our hides and our flame-treated products meet FAR regulations, California Technical Bulletin 117 and California Assembly Bill No.2998, as well as other industry-standard requirements
• Our superior quality leathers are made to last.

GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified 

• Third-party certified by an independent organization with no vested interest in the products
• Meets stringent VOC emission standards
• Promotes healthier indoor air quality
• Contributes to LEED and BIFMA credits

LEED Point Qualification

• IEQ Credit 4.5, Low Emitting Materials, Systems, Furniture, and Seating

BIFMA Point Qualification

• ANSI/BIFMA X7.1, Standard for Formaldehyde and TVOC Emissions of Low-emitting Office Furniture and Seating
• ANSI/BIFMA e3, Furniture Sustainability Standard, Sections 7.6.1, 7.6.2, and 7.6.3

Exceptional Durability

• Lasts up to five times longer than other upholstery materials
• Reduces replacement costs and unnecessary waste
• LeatherShield products offer anti-bacterial protection, stain and water resistance

Postindustrial Content

• Leather is a byproduct of the food industry
• Resources utilized would otherwise become landfill
• No animal is ever harmed solely for the use of its hide

Efficient Use of Resources

• Salt used for preservation is reused
• Virtually 100% of dyes and other ingredients are absorbed into the leather
• Remnant water is treated and safe, clean water is returned to the environment
• Leather has an infinite shelf life with no loss due to degradation
• Packing materials are made from recycled paper
• Packaging is collected and reused
• Scrap leather is donated to schools and to charitable organizations

Waste Reduction

• Our digitized cutting machine can accurately cut “common lines”. This means there is no space in between cut pieces. This is the absolute most efficient way to cut and gives us the highest yield possible, especially for welt and binding

Click here for our Return to Nature flyer (PDF 331K)