Leather Types
Australian LEATHERS: kangaroo, emu, ostrich and crocodile
For centuries leather has been used by the human race, for warmth, comfort and protection from the elements. In our modern society, we are surrounded by this natural material. We use it, wear it and admire it. It is important to point out however, that not all leathers are alike. They look and feel different, and they have different features and properties.
What distinguishes our leather products from other companies’ products is that apart from bovine leather, we specialise in Kangaroo, emu, crocodile and ostrich. Kangaroo and emu are Australian indigenous animals, with ostrich (a bird with South African origins), which has adapted to Australian climatic and physical conditions, and the Indo-Pacific Porosous crocodile, which is almost unique to Australia with its distinct identifiable scale. These crocodiles are found in Queensland and Northern Territory.
KANGAROOS are taken from the wild under a strict federally controlled culling program. Eastern Greys and Western Reds are the only two species culled under this program.
In their effort to survive in the rugged and harsh Australian environment, kangaroos have developed unique characteristics. Kangaroo leather, despite its lightness and softness, has extraordinary strength and durability. Its tight fibre structure makes it two to three times more durable than ordinary leathers. (*CSIRO comparative analysis has proven this conclusively).
NAVY PRINTED KANGAROO finish is achieved by embossing smooth kangaroo nappa leather. The effect is a uniform print, which makes kangaroo leather even more resistant to scratches and marks. Softness and lovely feel is not compromised by achieving this effect, making this finish ideal for wallets, handbags, accessories, journals, pens and other products.
KANGAROO NAPPA is a smooth kangaroo leather finish. Some natural leather grain may be visible (present) and no one skin is exactly the same. It is a light, soft material yet incredibly durable, making it ideal for a wide range of products. This beautiful material is used to make our belts, wallets, handbags, pens, accessories, journals and other products.ANTIQUE KANGAROO NAPPA is a unique textured kangaroo leather which maintains all the features of this extraordinary material (softness, lightness and strength), while at the same time offering a look which is rusticky and Australiana. Our wallets, handbags, journals, pens and other products look superb in this contrasty, grainy, warm material.
The EMU on the other hand (a relative of ostrich) although existing in the wild as well, it is farm-bred specifically for its oil (this has amazing therapeutic properties – known to Australian aborigines for centuries), its meat (extremely healthy with almost no fat and cholesterol) its hide and feathers. Emu leather has developed similar properties to kangaroo (strength and durability), but what makes it even more unique, is its distinct follicle which is evenly spread throughout its entire surface area.
OSTRICH is a bird twice the size of emu. It has a quill, the most valuable part of its skin, which is much bigger and spread apart than emu follicle. This quill however is only found in a small area of the skin. Ostrich birds are also farmed in much the same way as emus, and their by-products – meat, hide and feathers, are in great demand worldwide. Ostrich leather is substantially thicker than emu leather, very durable and it is used on a great variety of products.
The Australian CROCODILE – Indo-Pacific Porosous is found almost exclusively in Australia. It has the most amazing durability unlike any other leather in the world. Its crocodilian scale could not be mistaken for anything else and its versatility is such that most prestigious and exclusive fashion houses around the world find it difficult to resist. The Australian croc-scale tends to be smaller than other crocodile scales, making it ideal for use on a wide range of products, especially small leather goods.
(*Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation)