At House of Leather, we take pride in the heritage behind every product we create. To truly appreciate a high-quality leather jacket or bag, you have to look at where it starts. Pakistan isn’t just a participant in the global leather market; it is a world-class hub for premium skins and expert craftsmanship.
Here is a look at why Pakistani leather is so highly regarded and how the industry is evolving for a sustainable future.
A Natural Advantage: The Source
Pakistan’s leather quality starts with its livestock. With a massive population of cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats, the country produces roughly 13 million hides and over 47 million skins annually.
What makes it special? The sheepskins found here are globally recognized for their superior grain, substance, and compactness of fiber. This natural quality is bolstered by the tradition of Eid, which ensures a massive, ready supply of hides every year, fulfilling up to 80% of the industry's raw material needs.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Export
The journey of the local industry is a story of incredible growth:
- The 1947 Start: At independence, only a few small tanneries existed, mostly producing simple sole leather.
- The Expansion: By the 1960s and 70s, industrial hubs popped up in cities like Multan, Kasur, and Sialkot, equipped with modern technology.
- The Peak: In the 1990s, leather became the country’s second-largest foreign exchange earner.
- Today, it remains the third-largest export industry, contributing 4% to the national GDP and employing over a million people.
The Future is Green: Innovation & Ethics
The industry is currently at a crossroads. To stay competitive globally, there is a massive shift toward cleaner production, ethical standards, and the responsible use of each type of leather. At House of Leather, we are excited to see these modern initiatives taking hold across the country:
1. Digital Traceability
New digital toolkits are being developed to trace hides from the farm to the factory. This transparency ensures that the leather is sourced responsibly and meets international trade standards.
2. Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
Traditional tanning can be tough on the environment. However, new projects are introducing lipase enzymes to replace toxic chemicals and recycling leather trimmings into water-resistant materials. This "circular economy" approach reduces waste and keeps our waterways cleaner.
3. Empowering the Workforce
The industry is working hard to improve safety for workers and bridge the gender gap. Recent initiatives are specifically encouraging women to enter the field—where they currently represent only 1% of the workforce—through research and career opportunities.
Why It Matters to You
When you choose a brand like House of Leather, you are supporting an industry that is rich in history but focused on the future. Pakistan’s goal is clear: to be a top global exporter by combining state-of-the-art technology with safe, socially viable practices.
High-quality leather shouldn't just look good—it should be made right. With 800 tanneries actively producing some of the world’s best finished leather, Pakistan is proving that quality and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
Read More: How to Care for Your Leather Products
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