Pangea, a global supplier of premium automotive leather, has donated 600 leather hides to Pingree Detroit, a brand that crafts sustainable leather goods from reclaimed automotive materials. This marks the largest single donation the organization has received this year, enabling the creation of more than 3,500 handmade leather products and generating new employment opportunities for U.S. military veterans and Detroit residents.
“Pingree Detroit is doing truly meaningful work. By creating employment opportunities that lead to shared ownership, they directly strengthen our community and economy,” said Bob Tuuk, Vice President of Global Purchasing at Pangea. “Their mission to reimagine waste and give discarded materials new life perfectly aligns with our sustainability commitments. As a veteran myself, I’m proud that Pangea can play a role in their mission and look forward to seeing the positive impact this donation creates.”
Founded in 2015, Pingree Detroit handcrafts wallets, cardholders, tote bags, coasters, sneakers, and other leather goods from upcycled and sustainable materials. Each item comes with a Maker Card featuring a quote from the Veteran or Detroiter who made it—connecting customers directly with the makers behind the products.
“This donation of over 600 hides is more than material — it’s an investment in people,” said Jarret Schlaff, co-founder and CEO of Pingree Detroit. “It means more than 3,500 products handmade in Detroit, jobs for Veterans and Detroiters, and another step toward a future where our work uplifts the entire community. We are grateful for Pangea’s support.”
The donation underscores Pangea’s commitment to waste reduction and circular leather production. Through innovative partnerships, the company incorporates circularity into its manufacturing processes and implements comprehensive waste management systems. In 2024 alone, 68% (1,670 metric tons) of leather shavings from its manufacturing sites were diverted from landfills and repurposed as co-products by local industries in Mexico, Asia, and Italy.
For more information, visit pangeamade.com
About Pangea
Pangea is a global leather supplier serving the world’s leading automotive brands, providing sustainable and innovative interior solutions. Headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, the company operates across four continents with over 3,000 team members.
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