The fish leather that we use in all WODEN sneakers is a waste product from the Icelandic fishing and food industry. An industry in which only 1% of the skin is actually used, and the rest is destroyed. The fish leather, which comes primarily from salmon skins, is both hard-wearing and sustainable. This is due to the unique cross-fibre structure of the fish leather which makes it up to 10 times stronger than calf leather. The fish leather is treated and tanned in Iceland using gentle and eco-friendly methods aided by Iceland’s natural hot springs.This tanning process produces 0% carbon emissions.

Responsible fishing

Our fish leather is sourced by Nordic Fish Leather Iceland. Nordic Fish Leather Iceland has a MSC certification to ensure that the fish leather derives from responsible fishing.

The MSC certification is used to assess whether a fishery is well-run and sustainable. It is decided by an independent third party to guarantee transparency. This way, fishing activity is managed with care so that other species and habitats in the ecosystem can be kept healthy.

DESIGN WITH RESPONSIBILITY

ALWAYS AIM HIGHER. DESIGNING RESPONSIBLY

01

Turning waste into high-end fashion. Designing responsibly. Fish Leather has a low impact on the environment.

02

Fish Skin is normally a waste product. The processing of fish leather avoids throwing the skins into the ocean.

03

Sustainability is one of the key elements at Nordic Fish Leather. Nordic Fish Leather is only using skin from fish that has been sustainably fished or farmed.

04

Fish Leather has been used for centuries. Build on an old and proud tradition. The use of Fish Leather is an ancient tradition in Nordic societies along rivers, streams and coasts.

05

The total power usage is CO2 neutral. Nordic Fish Leather uses only renewable energy for its production of Fish Leather. Fish Leather requires less energy and resources to cultivate than conventional materials.

06

Eco-friendly production. Nordic Fish Leather takes immense pride in running a completely sustainable operation fueled entirely by geothermal and hydroelectric power. 100% of the electricity supply is from hydroelectric power. The warm water derives from hot springs close to the town where the factory is located.

07

The weight of the Fish Leather is very low and makes it easy to work with. Nordic Fish Leather is being used for a wide variety of products, such as shoes, belts, handbags and different accessories.

08

The fish leather is nine times more robust than standard leather. The fibres criss-cross and it makes more durable leather for products that have to be strong.

09

Nordic Fish Leather and its predecessors have since over 20 years worked on solutions to turn this neglected high-quality raw material into a valuable product. The results can today be seen in. outstanding products made by both individuals and large designer companies

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