The leather industry is on the verge of a sustainable revolution, and Moore & Giles, a leading Virginia-based leather company, is playing a key role in shaping this change. CEO Sackett Wood reveals why "Olivenleder®" is not only a sustainable alternative, but also part of a larger movement toward greater responsibility, quality, and transparency across the entire leather industry.
Moore & Giles – Tradition meets innovation
Since its founding in 1933 in Lynchburg, Virginia, Moore & Giles has undergone impressive development: Once a supplier to the shoe industry, the company now serves a wide variety of international markets – from high-end furniture manufacturing to private jets to exclusive automotive projects. The focus has always been on combining quality craftsmanship with creative innovation. According to Wood, producing high-quality leather requires not only technical know-how, but also artistic passion and a spirit of experimentation.
Sustainability rethought: Why Olivenleder® is convincing
Since 2014, Moore & Giles has been committed to a groundbreaking innovation: Olivenleder®. The patented wet-green® OTP (Olive Tree Pruning) tanning agent is obtained from the residues of the olive harvest – twigs, branches, and leaves – that are normally burned as waste. This vegetable tanning method can replace the chrome process and impresses with its simplicity and scalability. As a certified Olivenleder® partner, Moore & Giles is setting new standards in sustainability.
Use resources responsibly
Wood emphasizes that leather is a naturally sustainable material: "No animals are slaughtered specifically for leather; leather utilizes a byproduct of the meat industry and solves a significant waste problem." He also calls for greater responsibility in the use of resources, emphasizing the importance of sustainable manufacturing processes and responsible use of hides.
Education and transparency as key
Sackett Wood emphasizes the importance of transparency and education in the leather industry. "Our job is to fully educate designers and customers so they can make informed decisions." He believes everyone who uses leather should understand that it is a durable and sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.
From idea to successful product
In the beginning there was Olivenleder® Above all, it's an inspiring story, but the path to a successful product required patience and development work. "We had to ensure that our leather was not only sustainable, but above all, visually and haptically first-class," explains Wood. Today, Olivenleder® Sustainability with the highest design quality and meets even the most demanding aesthetic requirements.
Simple message, convincing facts
A big advantage of Olivenleder® According to Sackett Wood, the key to success lies in the simple and understandable message: “Within 30 seconds, anyone can understand what Olivenleder® makes up.”
Creatives and decision-makers in design and product development particularly value the transparent and easily communicable origins. The international presence with showrooms in major cities such as Hong Kong, Dubai, Paris, and London confirms the strong interest in this sustainable material.
Visionary perspectives for Olivenleder® and the leather industry
Wood sees Olivenleder® not just as a short-term trend, but as a significant pillar for the future of his company and the entire industry: "I can well imagine that Olivenleder® will eventually account for 100% of our leather production." Furthermore, he sees the future of the leather industry in the continuous development of responsible and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Conclusion
With Olivenleder®, Moore & Giles sets new standards for a sustainable, innovative, and aesthetically sophisticated future. Sackett Wood sums it up: Leather remains indispensable, but is becoming increasingly responsible, attractive, and forward-looking.
Interest, certified Olivenleder®-to become a partner?
We welcome brands and makers who take responsibility – and want to make more out of leather.
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