From Forest to Finish: Crafting Sustainable Elk Leather and Beyond.

Our elk leather is exclusively sourced from the hides of elk that have roamed freely in the wild. Every part of the hide is utilized, leaving nothing to waste

says Maarit, who is sales director at the tannery. The company is family-owned in several generations. Representing the current owners is Pasi as head of the tannery, while his brother manages an essential side business: treats for dogs.

At our tannery, we methodically sort the hides upon collection. Those suitable for leather production undergo tanning, while the remainder is repurposed into chew bones and dog treats. Even the hair residue is collected and contributes to biogas production

he explains. Reflecting on their journey, Pasi recalls how his mother initiated contact with local hunting clubs in the 1990s, seeking to repurpose elk hides that would otherwise decay in forests.

Initially, it was on a small scale. The hunters lacked the means to preserve the hides.

Today, the company collaborates closely with hunting clubs across Finland and Sweden, utilizing a dedicated truck to collect raw hides from all over the Nordic regions.

A CONTROLLED PRODUCTION PROCESS

As a Finnish company, it undergoes regular inspections by government agencies to ensure compliance with stringent occupational health and safety regulations. All chemicals used are REACH compliant, and the tannery operates its own wastewater management system. Despite adhering to high production standards, challenges persist.

The Nordic elk population has significantly declined. Controlling the number of elks is necessary for keeping the population at a healthy level. In the early 2000s, the Finnish government issued approximately 90,000 hunting licenses annually. Today, that number has decreased to 31,000 in Finland

explains Pasi. Moreover, the warming climate has led to an increase in insect populations, with their habitats expanding further north. Moose flies pose a significant nuisance to elks, their bites penetrating the skin and causing damage, reducing the availability of high-quality leather suitable for gloves. To compensate for the diminished access to elk hides, Pasi and his team has initiated production with local wild whitetailed deer skins.

Nevertheless, elk leather is truly exceptional. With its softness, lightweight yet durable texture, and excellent insulation properties, it provides unparalleled comfort

adds Maarit