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.
