What Is BIO Leather and Why Do We Use It?

A New Generation of Leather

BIO leather (trade name Biocouro) is a metal free leather created through years of research and development in Portugal. Unlike traditional chromium-tanned leather, BIO leather uses a process called wet-white tanning. This method replaces heavy metals with plant-based tannins and carefully selected alternatives, resulting in a material that performs like traditional leather but with a much smaller environmental footprint.

Healthy for You, Better for the Planet

Traditional chromium tanning can leave traces of metals like chromium, lead, or nickel in leather. These substances are harmful to the environment and can irritate sensitive skin. BIO leather avoids these issues. It is metal free, non-allergenic, and designed to help prevent skin problems caused by contact with chemically treated leather. That makes it perfect for shoes worn barefoot or for people with delicate skin.

From Waste to Wonder

Like all leather, BIO leather starts as a by-product of the food industry. Instead of using polluting methods to process these hides, the wet-white tanning process transforms them into a clean, durable material. At the end of its life, this leather can be composted, contributing to the creation of fertilizers rather than lingering as waste.

Tested for a Circular Future

The compostability of BIO leather has been measured using internationally recognized methods, simulating real composting conditions. Under these tests, the leather achieved complete disintegration, proving it is capable of returning to the earth safely at the end of its life.

BIO Leather FAQs

What Is Wet-White Tanning?

Wet-white tanning is a chromium free process that uses plant-based alternatives to heavy metals. It produces a light-colored base leather that can be dyed and finished in various ways — either kept smooth for leather or brushed for suede. This keeps the material strong and flexible while reducing environmental impact.

How is BIO leather different from vegetable tanned leather?

Both are metal free and environmentally conscious, but they are made using different processes. Vegetable tanning uses plant tannins and a slow method that creates leather with a natural, warm character. BIO leather’s wet-white process is faster and designed specifically to enhance biodegradability. Both deliver durable, high-quality materials in their own way.

Does BIO leather include suede?

Yes. Suede is made from the underside of the same hides used for smooth leather. Both are tanned using the BIO leather process, so they share the same sustainable, metal free qualities.

Is BIO leather compostable?

Yes. BIO leather has been tested under composting conditions and shown to fully disintegrate. This means it can safely return to the earth after years of wear.

Is BIO leather safe for sensitive skin?

Absolutely. It is non-allergenic, metal free, and helps prevent irritation that can result from contact with traditionally tanned leather.

Does BIO leather last as long as traditional leather?

Yes. BIO leather was developed to match the performance of classic leather while offering a healthier and more sustainable alternative.

And so, this is why you'll often see us founders wearing sneakers, and this is why we really wanted to offer you the ROMA in BIO Suede too!