A Commitment to Ethical Luxury
Sustainability
At Cape Cobra Leathercraft, sustainability is not an afterthought - it is woven into the very fabric of who we are. As Africa’s leading luxury leather atelier, we are proud to honor our continent’s natural resources, empower our local communities, and redefine what ethical luxury means in today’s world.
From our responsibly sourced exotic leathers to our fully localized production process, every decision we make is guided by our mission to create timeless, sustainable, and handcrafted luxury that leaves a positive impact.
For us, sustainability is not a destination. It’s a continuous journey - one defined by ethics, provenance, innovation, and impact.
“We are not trying to prove that sustainability in luxury fashion is possible; we are proof that it is possible. Luxury fashion is the example the rest follow and we are responsible for the changes we want to see in the industry going forward.”
Justine Schäfer, Managing Director
“We have the raw materials in the leather, we have the land, we have the know-how and above all we have the responsibility to give back to South Africa and its people.”
- Robert Schafer
Local Sourcing & Production, Global Impact
At Cape Cobra Leathercraft, we are proud to maintain a fully localized value chain - from tanning and finishing to design and craftsmanship - all carried out in South Africa. By working primarily with ethically farmed exotic leathers such as Nile crocodile
and ostrich, which are sourced and processed locally, we reduce our environmental footprint and ensure that the value of these precious materials stays within the country.
All our leathers are obtained in strict accordance with CITES, ensuring full traceability and adherence to global best practices for sustainability and ethical trade. Our approach not only supports biodiversity but also strengthens the South African economy by creating jobs, nurturing skills, and empowering artisan communities.
As founding members of Exotic Leather South Africa (ELSA), the Schäfer family has helped shape industry standards that prioritize animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and long-term sustainability.
Just as we are committed to sustainability, we are equally devoted to preserving the fine art of maroquinerie - the craftsmanship of
luxury leather goods. With no formal maroquinerie education available in South
Africa, we train all our artisans in-house. Our atelier is a place where master artisans pass down age-old techniques, ensuring that Cape Cobra’s legacy of excellence lives on through each generation.
Zero-Waste Philosophy & Design Longevity
We embrace a zero-waste philosophy at every stage of production. Every skin is carefully inspected and matched to designs that enhance its natural beauty, ensuring no leather is wasted. Offcuts are repurposed through our innovative offcut program, where they're transformed into woven and patchwork designs or small leather goods.
Beyond materials, our products are designed for longevity. With meticulous construction and timeless silhouettes, every Cape Cobra piece is made to last - reducing the need for
replacement and encouraging conscious consumption.
Our founder, Lothar Schäfer, was a sustainability pioneer.
He was the first to repurpose ostrich leg leather - previously discarded by the
industry - into beautiful, durable western style handbags. Today, this once-overlooked material is a Cape Cobra signature, prized for its strength, distinct texture, and minimal environmental impact.
OUR MATERIALS
Local. Responsible. Exceptional.
At Cape Cobra Leathercraft, we source all of our specialty leathers within South Africa and are committed to building a sustainable and transparent local value chain.
All of our exotic leathers are locally beneficiated, from farm to tannery, and to our atelier where the leathers are transformed into beautifully finished pieces. This fully localized approach not only reduces our environmental footprint but also ensures that the value of Africa’s natural resources remains within the communities and industries that produce them. We work with sustainably sourced South African Ostrich and Nile crocodile leather, selected for their exceptional durability, distinctive character, and traceable origin.
All of our crocodile leather is CITES-certified, guaranteeing full compliance with international regulations and the highest standards of ethical and responsible sourcing.
OSTRICH LEATHER
Celebrated for its unique character and unmistakable quill pattern, South African ostrich leather is one of the strongest and durable materials in luxury leathercraft industry. Locally sourced and processed, it supports regional farming communities and plays a vital role in sustaining livelihoods of over 10 000 people, of which many are multigenerational workers as well as a large number of women in the Oudtshoorn area.
Farmed in their natural habitat, ostriches require significantly less water than traditional livestock, making ostrich leather a more environmentally considered material choice.
OSTRICH LEG LEATHER
A true Cape Cobra signature, ostrich leg/ shin leather reflects our commitment to innovation through sustainability. Once discarded as waste, this distinctive material was reimagined by our founder, Lothar Schäfer, who pioneered its use in luxury handbags.
Defined by its natural scale pattern and remarkable resilience, ostrich leg leather transforms an overlooked by-product into a refined and enduring material an embodiment of responsible design and craftsmanship.
NILE CROCODILE LEATHER
South African Nile crocodile leather is renowned for its refined texture, natural sheen, and exceptional longevity. Its strength and durability make it ideal for heirloom-quality handbags designed to last for generations.
All our crocodile leather is CITES-certified and sourced from rigorously vetted South African farms and tanneries that adhere to strict standards of animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and ethical production. Each skin is fully traceable, ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the supply chain.
Highly prized in luxury design, crocodile leather represents both exclusivity and enduring elegance - elevated further by the responsibility with which it is sourced and crafted.