Cowhides are a versatile and eye-catching decorative feature which have become incredibly popular in recent years. Many of the animal-skin effect rugs you see in houses or interior design magazines are in fact dyed cowhides, as they have the effect of being real animal skin, but do not lead to the deaths of protected species such as zebra or tiger. Natural cowhides which have not been coloured are also incredibly popular, as they give interiors a country or rustic feel.
Although cowhides can effectively come from any region which grows cattle, the majority of cowhides come from South America and South Africa. The huge output of hides from these regions can be linked to the large beef industries also present in these areas – naturally, a large quantity of cows slaughtered for beef leads to an equal amount of cowhides in need of homes. Brazil is acknowledged as being the premier country for high quality cowhide exportation, although Argentina and Colombia also produce superior quality hides.
There are several leather associations within Europe as well as worldwide who aim to raise the quality of cowhide production and improve treatment processes. Organisations such as Leathernet provide a worldwide directory of leather producers, tanners, wholesalers and commercial stockists, as well as encouraging superior quality products. If you want more information on the production of cowhides or the industry in general, Leathernet have a directory of all their members available to browse.
There are several leather associations within Europe as well as worldwide who aim to raise the quality of cowhide production and improve treatment processes. Organisations such as Leathernet provide a worldwide directory of leather producers, tanners, wholesalers and commercial stockists, as well as encouraging superior quality products. If you want more information on the production of cowhides or the industry in general, Leathernet have a directory of all their members available to browse.