Beyond the Label: What “Sustainably Produced” Means at The Gentry

Beyond the Label: What “Sustainably Produced” Means at The Gentry

No Greenwashing Here — Just Honest Transparency

At The Gentry, we don’t throw around words like “sustainable” lightly. There’s no greenwashing here — just transparency. We're proud of the materials we use and how our products are made, so we believe in sharing those details openly.

We claim our products are sustainably produced — and we know that’s a bold statement. It’s a badge more and more businesses are wearing, thanks to growing demand for sustainable pet accessories. But how many of those claims hold up under scrutiny? Are they rooted in genuine practice, or just used to justify a higher price tag?

Let’s be clear — I’m not a sustainability expert. I’m probably a lot like you: a consumer who’s spent years trying to decode eco-labels, buzzwords, and big claims. I’ve fallen for a few myself. That’s exactly why, as a small business owner, I believe in doing things differently — and doing them the right way.

Why We Talk So Openly About Our Materials

We’re a small team with a genuine desire to build products responsibly. So instead of vague promises, we focus on sharing the facts — from where our materials come from to how they’re processed and crafted. We’ve put a lot of thought into every step, and we’re proud to be transparent about it.

Let’s start with one of the trickiest topics in the sustainability world: leather.

Is Leather Sustainable? It Can Be — If Done Right

Leather often gets a bad reputation when it comes to sustainability. But when you look closer, it’s not so black and white. Like most materials, how it’s sourced and produced makes all the difference — especially when you're producing luxury leather dog collars or premium pet collars that are built to last.

Here are the key factors that define whether leather can be considered sustainable:

  • Country of origin – How far does the leather have to travel? Local = lower carbon footprint.

  • Production methods – Is it machine-processed or handcrafted? Is it tanned using harmful chemicals or natural, plant-based methods?

  • How it’s processed – Many mass-produced leathers are made like chipboard: ground down, glued together with plastic-based compounds, and heavily processed. While this creates a uniform grain, it’s far from eco-friendly — and in our opinion, lacks character.

  • Byproduct or product of demand? – In the UK, the demand for meat is much higher than for leather, meaning hides are often a byproduct. Using them helps prevent waste and avoids landfill.

  • End-of-life impact – Leather that’s responsibly sourced and minimally processed can biodegrade. Over-processed leather often cannot.

What We Do Differently at The Gentry

When we say we’ve thought through every detail, we genuinely have. Here’s how we approach sustainability:

✅ Locally Sourced, Full-Grain Leather

We source our leather just 30 miles from our studio. It’s small-batch, full-grain leather — the highest grade — which retains the natural grain and markings of the hide, requiring minimal processing. This gives each of our luxury leather dog collars and artisan dog leads a unique, natural character.

✅ Vegetable Tanned

Our leather is vegetable tanned using only natural plant and herb-based tannins. No chrome. No harsh chemicals. Just time, patience, and traditional techniques.

✅ Handcrafted With Care

Each product is made entirely by hand, using only handheld tools — no machinery. This isn’t just about being able to say “handmade” — it is handmade, start to finish. It’s slower, more labour intensive, but it means each piece has real human touch and attention. We’re proud to offer truly handmade dog accessories UK customers can rely on.

✅ Rope Made from 100% Cotton

We use soft yet strong rope made entirely from natural cotton fibres, making it 100% plastic-free. We originally chose it because of how it feels — soft in the hand, but tough where it counts. It's also a great material for an eco-friendly dog lead that doesn’t sacrifice on durability or comfort.

✅ Hardware That Lasts

Our hardware is made from solid cast brass, chosen for both its durability and its eco-credentials. Brass is highly recyclable, endlessly reusable, and it ages beautifully. A quick polish and it looks good as new.

✅ Packaging That’s Fully Recyclable

We use fully recyclable packaging sourced from The Tiny Box Company. We haven’t cut corners or picked the cheapest option — just the best one that aligns with our values. If you ever need assurance about packaging choices, we’re happy to share more.

Why It Costs More — And Why It’s Worth It

All of this care and attention to detail — from sourcing to crafting to packaging — adds to our costs. We know we’re not the cheapest option out there, but we never set out to be.

We believe in the idea of:
Buy less. Buy better. Buy with intention.

Our Honest Claim: Sustainably Produced, Genuinely

So when we say our products are sustainably produced, we mean it.

We’re not perfect — no brand is. But every decision we make is rooted in thoughtfulness, transparency, and responsibility.

If you're looking for premium pet collars or an artisan dog lead that’s beautiful, durable, and made with integrity — you're in the right place.

Thanks for supporting a small business that’s trying to do it the right way.

— The Gentry

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