Pirarucu Leather
(Arapaima)
image source: Nova Kaeru
A low carbon footprint leather
Formerly, discarded, the Pirarucu fish skins are transformed into renewable materials which are the core of Piper & Skye's collections. Our Pirarucu leather is sourced through sustainable fishing management to promote a thriving species population and ecosystem. The tanning process is 100% free from harmful chemicals, nanoparticles, synthetic dyes and artificial fragrances.
A luxurious product with a low environmental impact
This unique leather is free from heavy metals for environmental safety. All organic waste that is generated is used as compost materials. Water used in the tanning process is collected, corrected for pH balance and used as irrigation for reforestation farms.
Building circularity in our industry
By utilizing the Pirarucu bio-leather we are helping to support the surrounding communities and building a complete sustainable cycle in the industry protecting the forests, wildlife and the people who depend on them.
More information is available at: Harvest and trade of pirarucu in the Brazilian Amazon, CITES & Livelihoods Case Study, 2019.
- RAW MATERIAL SELECTION CRITERIA
- ANIMAL WELFARE
Piper & Skye embodies the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources within its stringent Material Selection Criteria. We work with our suppliers to ensure that management of the species is overseen by a governing body, which seeks to ensure the healthy and thriving biodiverse ecosystem in which the species lives. Our objective has always been to design luxury handbags that have the smallest possible environmental impact. The first step in this journey is the careful selection of materials that satisfy our material selection criteria. For example, using pirarucu which is a byproduct of a natural food source, makes more efficient use of the whole fish while simultaneously ensuring that the skins do not end up in a landfill or being burned. The following are the items we require in order to proceed with a certain raw material.
The species must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be used as a food source somewhere in the world.
- Be in over-population in its natural habitat.
- Be considered an invasive species.
The skins and leathers would be considered a waste product (headed for a landfill) unless passed-on to designers and artisans who create beautiful handbags and accessories with them.
Management of the species is overseen by a governing body (CITES, Fish and Wildlife Licensing, etc.) which seeks to ensure the healthy and thriving ecosystem in which the species lives.
There is no undue suffering in any form during theprocess of culling, fishing, or otherwise. We abide by theFive Freedoms originally defined by the UK’s FarmAnimal Welfare Council.
Select only suppliers that align with our goals to reduce hazardous and toxic chemicals used in the tanning,dying, and manufacturing processes.

Piper & Skye adheres to the animal welfare principles established by the non-profit organization “Business for Social Responsibility” (BSR Principles). Any Supplier providing us with animal materials shall also adhere to such principles and Piper & Skye's company Animal Welfare Policy.
In addition, Piper & Skye refers to the Terrestrial Animal Health Code published by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) for animal welfare standards at an international level. We expect our suppliers to fully comply with these standards and global animal laws.


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