Each year, approximately 2.7 million kilograms of leather are incinerated in the Netherlands, despite the material’s durability and remaining functional value. Circuleather addresses this loss by developing a circular chain that enables discarded leather to be recovered and reused. By diverting leather from waste streams and reintroducing it as a secondary raw material, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, limit material waste, and extend the lifespan of an existing resource.

Circuleather focuses primarily on leather from discarded upholstered furniture, such as sofas. In collaboration with municipalities, waste processors and social enterprises, the organisation supports the establishment of dismantling facilities where furniture is carefully taken apart. During this process, leather is collected, cleaned and sorted to ensure it can be reused at a high quality level. Rather than being treated as waste, the recovered leather is handled as a valuable material suitable for further production.

Once processed, the leather is supplied to makers, designers and production houses, enabling its application in new products such as bags, accessories or interior elements. In addition to material supply, Circuleather actively shares knowledge about circular leather use and furniture dismantling, contributing to broader awareness and adoption of circular practices within the sector. The approach is intended to be straightforward and effective, embedding circularity down to the material’s fibres.