Last February, Adapta conducted a survey of industry professionals to better understand the barriers and priorities related to the use of reclaimed leather.

Based on the feedback we've gathered, several strong trends are emerging—and they're challenging some common assumptions.

An industry still plagued by waste

Even before analyzing the survey results, one thing is clear.

In the luxury industry:

• Up to 20% of the materials produced remain unused
• 60 to 80 percent of a collection’s environmental impact comes from the raw materials
• Between 7,000 and 10,000 metric tons of leather waste are generated each year in France

These figures underscore the urgent need to rethink supply chains.

What kinds of people are behind the survey responses?

Of the 57 respondents, 70.1% are artisans or young brands.

This point is key: the results primarily reflect the reality of agile, creative structures that are often at the forefront of the transition toward more responsible practices.

This also confirms a strong trend: artisanal craftsmanship and human-scale projects play a central role in the adoption of repurposed leather.

At Adapta, these individuals are not just ordinary clients—they are true creative partners.

Adapta continues to strengthen its presence in France while expanding its solutions internationally. This move reflects our commitment to supporting projects wherever the reuse of exceptional materials is a priority.

Reusing leather in your projects: how is it actually perceived today?

Reused leather is gradually becoming part of purchasing habits.  

At Adapta, we are seeing the same trend: more and more designers are moving from occasional use to regular integration into their collections.

The transition to more responsible materials does not come at the expense of high product standards: quality remains the primary selection criterion, closely followed by environmental impact and aesthetics.

As for the availability of very large volumes, it does not appear to be a priority for the majority of respondents.

The constraints often associated with repurposed leather—such as the lack of custom options or limited quantities—are not, in reality, perceived as significant obstacles by the majority of respondents.

As for the points requiring attention, they do not represent major obstacles, since the majority of respondents did not consider them important.

However, the most frequently raised issues find concrete solutions:

• A price considered too high?

Our leathers, sourced from the deadstock of major luxury houses, are offered at prices 30% to 70% below market rates, without compromising on quality or aesthetics. Our pricing starts as low as €30/m², depending on order volumes.

• Is rapid decision-making necessary?

The least flexible organizations with which Adapta has collaborated found a faster decision-making process running alongside the main collection.

Furthermore, since the materials are immediately available in Paris, you can launch your projects while saving time on sourcing lead times, which are often long and restrictive.  

• A choice perceived as limited?

Adapta, an independent entity, curates a selection from its various luxury partners. This makes it possible to offer a wide variety of leathers, colors, and finishes.

40% of respondents expressed a need for advice.

At Adapta, this aspect is at the heart of our approach: by booking an appointment—whether at the showroom or by phone—every project benefits from tailored guidance.

You receive expert advice, notably from Virginie, a leather specialist, who guides you precisely in selecting the material best suited to your project.

This support includes targeted advice as well as the opportunity to touch and select the hides in person, offering an approach that is at once tangible, sensory, and reassuring.

What feedback do our clients give regarding their experience with Adapta and our repurposed leathers?

The vast majority of our clients report being highly satisfied with their experience with Adapta.

They confirm that our key strengths are indeed real and consistent with the perceived benefits of repurposed leather.

In short, working with Adapta means gaining peace of mind, creativity, and efficiency, while also having access to exceptional leathers.

We would like to warmly thank all the participants for the time and insights shared.

Their feedback is invaluable to us, enabling us to improve our offering, tailor our services to our clients' needs, and continue supporting them effectively in their projects.