Leather has been used as a strong, durable and waterproof solution for tools, accessories and style for over 40,000 years. History tells of tools made for working with leather dating back to the days of the Neanderthals. The rich history of leather and tools used to fasten and optimize the material’s functionality and design have played a pivotal role in the fundamental development of our species. 

From satchels to saddles, and from uses such as canvas for the world’s first pictography, to later binding the most treasured book in history, our evolution is closely synchronized with that of leather. As we grow, so too does our ability to work with the versatile material. Here, we will examine the history of leather, and how it led to the development of thermo-sensitive, heat burnishable alternatives which can now be found on many of the premier publications in the literary world today. 

Let’s take a step back to the ancient Romans. Here, we begin to see the centralized idea of leather first being used as a luxury good. Seen as both a form of currency, as well as for fashion, leather was quickly beginning to represent the wealth and status of upper class citizens.

On top of that, we begin to see the idea that communication was an ever expanding necessity during this time. Here, we begin to truly realize the importance of recording our thoughts and history in text. Examples of published works being transcribed both on, and bound within leather coverings begin to grow more prominent… But the skill behind working with leather was quickly becoming a well kept secret. Leather work became a closely guarded trade kept by the top Guildsman in the industry at the time.

Our use of leather was transitioning from that of necessity to that of an art-form.

In the 16th century, Spain had taken over as the world leaders in leather craftsmanship. Developing new ways of utilizing, embellishing and customizing leather, they brought these newfound skills to the Americas. Here, we see the basic geometric pattern embellishments begin to transition into beautiful and extravagant floral designs. What we now consider to be modern leather artistry has been created.

The act of heat burnishing is simple. It is the hot stamping of a pattern or design into the material which leaves a fine, crisp, darker notation of the die. Book covers that utilize heat burnishing have become a staple in the publishing world, especially in the religious market. The incorporation of a crisp, intricate design conveys an immediate sense of quality and luxury to a finished product, and helps establish a design in more ways than one.

The options and intricacies of burnishing a quality piece of PU and faux leather is seemingly endless. The stamped patterns, titles, words and foils directly into the cover are designs that you can touch, feel and admire all at once.

Of course, only materials which are designed for heat sensitivity are capable of receiving heat burnishing. This is one of the main advantages of using quality faux materials over leather as it consistently maintains better thermosensitivity.

The Alpha products listed above are those that are kept in stock here in our Rhode Island and Massachusetts facilities. Please contact your designated sales rep for further inquiry about non-stock Alpha items that also may be available.

All colors are created to comply with our strict ecologically sound production methods, ensuring that they remain FSC® certified (RA-COC-003258) and EU REACH, TSCA, RoHS, CPSIA, ISQ 8124 PART 3, ASTM F963, Prop. 65, EN 71 compliant. 

Ecological Fibers is always on the lookout for the next big improvement in the sustainable cover material market, and we will continue to strive towards developing the future successes of the industry. New and exciting things are on the horizon, with significant developments underway for the future of thermosensitive materials.

To stay up to date with any future developments, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media as we continue to produce and create the highest quality and most environmentally sound cover solutions in the world. For more information on any of our leather or thermo sensitive materials, please contact your designated sales representative today.