Design

The Attainable, Sustainable Leather

Meet the leather-maker creating Steelcase’s newest sustainable surface material

Read 3 mins

It’s no secret that originality is in. Uniqueness trumps uniformity, as we’ve come to embrace our imperfections as what makes us stand out. Of course, this affects all aspects of our lives, including the workplace.

“People are seeking authenticity. In contrast to trends driven by technology, we’re seeing a rise in environmental consciousness, elevating recycled goods to luxury items,” says Julie Yonehara, Steelcase surface materials designer.

Pairing the need for authenticity with our continued commitment to sustainability, Steelcase has discovered ways to offer unique pieces that are beautiful, ageless and earth-friendly. Scraps of unused fabric are being collected and rewoven into new textiles. Wood that was once cast aside because of knots and uneven grain is starring in one-of-a-kind pieces.

Now, leather has found a place in the lineup.

“Natural leather is the best storyteller. It’s an ancient process that has given mankind the original sustainable performance material. Nothing else on earth is like it,” says Daryl Calfee, vice president of marketing for Moore & Giles.

The Virginia-based leather company, founded in 1933 by Donald Graeme Moore, is Steelcase’s newest leather surface materials partner. For over 85 years, the company has lived in service of its mission to enrich, inspire and provide for its customers, people and community.

Moore & Giles

“We believe in choosing well, not often. That alone is the most sustainable practice on the planet – using materials that get better with age and wear. Leather is that material,” Calfee says.

For Moore & Giles, a partnership with Steelcase made sense, as both companies believe sustainability is about creating and supporting the economic, environmental and social conditions that allow people and communities to reach their full potential.

“We’re seeing a rise in the awareness of how a product is brought to market. Where it comes from and how it’s created. There’s a desire for authenticity and our natural leathers showcase that so well. They feel honest and hard working,” says Calfee.

Moore & Giles

Now available through Steelcase, Moore & Giles’ 100 percent olive-leaf tanned leather, Terra, offers a window into the world of sustainable leather. Crafted in Spain in a variety of vivid colors, Moore & Giles tans the leather with the wet-green® process. This earth-friendly method is similar to brewing a pot of tea, using fallen leaves from olive trees.

After tanning, the hides undergo an open-air drying process and are finished with natural oils. The leather has a more natural aesthetic that showcases all of the inherent characteristics of the hides.

Moore & Giles Terra

With over 110 employees, mainly in Lynchburg, VA, the team is focused on the same entrepreneurial, authentic spirit they were founded upon.

“Once you see, smell and touch our leather, it’s impossible to accept anything less,” says Calfee. “And the team at Moore & Giles is a joy to journey alongside.”

Explore the gallery to learn more about Steelcase’s other sustainable surface materials.

Open image tooltip

Planked veneer

Planked Veneer was created when two members of the Steelcase operations team were searching for a way to use leftover wood that had been discarded because of uneven grain and knots. At the same time, a customer requested a unique table. The prototype planked oak table was shared with the customer, and it happened to align with their design aspirations perfectly.

Open image tooltip

New Black

New Black is a chic, sustainable collection of upholstery fabrics created through an innovative closed-loop recycling process and designed for future recycling. A variety of patterns brings interest to the black and white collection, which is made of 100 percent recycled material. The five patterns are beautiful when used independently, but also create a powerful story when used together in a space. The boucle yarns bring a warm, comfortable and humanizing aesthetic to the office environment.

Open image tooltip

Redeem and Retrieve

Redeem and Retrieve are sustainable upholstery materials made from a manufacturing process that’s the first of its kind in the office furniture industry. The process uses a system that begins with scrap fabric originating from a Steelcase manufacturing facility. This scrap fabric is recycled into yarn that is then woven into new textiles.

Open image tooltip

Loop to Loop

To create Loop to Loop by Designtex, four companies collaborated to establish a system for capturing and recycling textile waste back into first-quality goods. Take a look inside the closed-loop process that produces new fabrics from recycling already recycled textile waste.

Related Stories

Steelcase Awarded for Commitment to the Planet

Steelcase Awarded for Commitment to the Planet

Steelcase was recently recognized with multiple awards both nationally and internationally for its ongoing commitment to its sustainability initiatives to limit its impact on the planet and reduce climate change.

More Than Just ‘Posturing:’ New Perch Stool Designed for Circularity

More Than Just ‘Posturing:’ New Perch Stool Designed for Circularity

Steelcase is giving new life to electronics waste byproducts in the form of a versatile hybrid work stool thanks to new recycling technology from partner BASF.

2021 Impact Report: Executive Welcome

2021 Impact Report: Executive Welcome

Steelcase is pleased to have set third-party verified science-based targets around carbon, strengthened our DEI efforts and published new governance policies to protect the rights of our people.