Vegetable tanning uses natural substances such as tree bark, leaves, fruits, and roots to treat the leather. These substances are rich in natural tannins that penetrate the hide to make it more resistant to water and wear. Vegetable tanning is a slower and more expensive process than chrome tanning, but it is considered more environmentally friendly and produces a more natural leather with a unique patina that evolves over time.

Chrome tanning, on the other hand, uses chemicals such as chromium sulfate to treat the leather. Chrome tanning is a faster and more economical process than vegetable tanning, and it produces a more uniform and durable leather. However, the chemicals used in chrome tanning can be toxic and harmful to the environment if they are not properly treated. Leather tanning in France is an environmentally conscious industry. Tanning companies are required to comply with strict standards regarding wastewater treatment and waste disposal. Furthermore, many companies use state-of-the-art technologies to reduce their environmental impact.