Salmon has long been marketed as a superfood to consumers, providing high amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
However, entrepreneurs across several industries are recognizing salmon’s versatility outside of the food sector.
For example, byproducts that were once thrown out within the industry’s production processes are now considered a valuable commodity in the manufacture of sustainable leather, thanks to salmon skin’s versatility of use in fashion and the design of clothing, shoes, purses, and accessories.
The process of turning salmon skin into leather helps to reduce waste and creates less pollution than the production processes of traditional leather. Salmon skin also boasts flexibility and resistance, is lighter than other leathers, and can be processed in different colors and shines without losing its original texture.
According to designers of the Chilean fashion brand Gio y Ber, using salmon skin in their designs helps to promote sustainability by taking advantage of an aquaculture byproduct that provides a unique finish and is more ecologically friendly than traditional leather.
“We specialize in the use of fabrics, but we have used salmon leather for certain specific details since it’s a very noble material, particularly attractive for accessories,” Gio y Ber Co-Designer Giovanni Risso told SeafoodSource. “It is increasingly easier to acquire it thanks to different suppliers available on the internet, facilitating the process of obtaining it.”
Risso added that using salmon leather provides garments with both an haute couture look in terms of their finish and roughness, while also allowing handmade artisanal touches to shine.
“Little by little, we are seeing that more designers around the world choose to include it since this material provides a unique, luxurious finish,” he said. “It is a commitment to innovation and exclusivity … we see great potential in it.”
Though the production of salmon leather remains relatively niche, the practice has been around for several years. …
