Choose Australian

Kangaroos are wild animals. They are not farmed but harvested in the wild from a large, self-replenishing population. As a result, no natural habitat is cleared for them. The harvest is strictly controlled by an Australian Government program that ensures no detrimental impact on the kangaroos or their ecosystems.
Because human activity actually expands the areas they can live in, there are also more kangaroos around now than there were when European settlers first arrived. In order for some of the larger species’ populations not to spin out of control they need to be culled under strict government control. Rather than wasting this natural resource it is harvested, primarily for meat but also for this exclusive, specialty product internationally known as K-leather.

Sustainable Natural Leather
Kangaroo leather is the green alternative to other leathers or synthetic materials. Kangaroo leather is a beautiful and strong natural material. In fact, it is stronger in relation to its weight than almost any other leather. For this reason, it is used in many advanced applications, such as top range soccer boots, motorcycle gloves, helicopter pilots’ seats – and Indiana Jones’ iconic whip!

Renewable
Of the 53 species of kangaroo only the four most common species may be harvested. Studies have shown no adverse effect on the population of these four species over the last 40 years. Kangaroo leather is a renewable natural resource that is sustainable over the long term.

Natural
Only a small proportion of the total kangaroo population is taken for the food industry, the leather is a recycled by-product that would otherwise end up as waste. With a current population well over 30 million the kangaroo is considered abundant and not endangered.

So ……. kangaroos are not born to become a handbag and they do not die to become a handbag, either. They lead a natural life in the country, skipping around as they wish. Occasionally, they have an accident or get into a fight, which may show in the hide. This and its special texture mean that the surface and colour of kangaroo leather are full of life and character rather than sterile “perfection”. Our products embrace this variability of the raw material, sometimes enhancing it by using the natural contours of the hide in the designs. As a result, each individual item has its own unique features and personality.

Kangaroo leather (K-Leather) – high strength, lightweight and durable.
Kangaroo leather is weight for weight the strongest leather available. Its structure consists of highly organised main fibre bundles, which have a secondary supporting mesh. Combined with low angle of weave, low fat content and a very thin grain layer this provides superior strength against leathers from other raw material types at similar thicknesses.
Naturally thin, kangaroo leather retains all its strength where other raw material types require heavy splitting and shaving which significantly reduces physical performance.
The unique properties of kangaroo fibre structure are further enhanced through innovative processing techniques which provide product designers with a versatile, strong and light natural material.

These handbags are all-Australian products through all stages of the design and production process. The leather are sourced from one of Australia’s few remaining tanneries, The Packer Leather Company. We have been using kangaroo leather from the very beginning and are proud of our unique Australian made kangaroo leather products. That’s why we make efforts to ensure all of our leathers are responsibly sourced and quality controlled throughout each step of the supply chain.

Testimonials

Petra black handbag
My beloved black/navy hearts bag which I have owned for over 8 years goes everywhere with me. The size is great (not too big or small), the four inner compartments are wonderful to keep things organised (especially for those easy to lose in a handbag items like keys!) and the straps are just the right length, always comfortable on the shoulder and not too long to ‘get in the way’. The kangaroo leather is supple yet strong and the finish on the bag looks as good as it did on day 1 – the black proving to be super practical. I would highly recommend this bag style and colour combination to everyone.

I decided to look into Choose Australian, after seeing a customer where I worked with, this incredibly beautiful bag, and I knew right then I had to have one. Being made in Australia, of exceptional quality kangaroo leather, and meaning I would be supporting a local small business, ticked all the boxes for me. I have had mine now for over 7 years, and it still looks brand new. It has plenty of space, and several pockets, which is perfect for my needs. The clips and zips are very good quality and still all in perfect working order. If you are wanting to treat yourself with something truly and uniquely beautiful, I would not hesitate to say just do it! You will have people stopping you in the streets!

Karsen tan shoulder bag
My kangaroo leather bag from Choose Australian is my Australian connection and memory, but also represents my identity better than anything else I can think of. I love it! I love it as I love Australia: personal, unique, and cool.
I appreciate the passion put into making me a unique customised bag that not only fits my preferences, but represents me. The bag is not only mine, it is me. It represents me, shows me, and makes me. Going out, I start with the bag and built the colours and style from there. Although I enjoy all the cool functionalities I particularly chose in close guidance with the designer, I most of all enjoy its style and what it does to my appearance. If you ever want a bag that is not only functional, but extends and defines you, I would certainly recommend you contact Choose Australian. They listen, understand and create the bag that you not even knew existed.

Diego tan handbag
My kangaroo handbag is absolutely well made, stylish and trendy. I love the wonderful natural brown kangaroo leather that gets better as it gets older over time becoming softer and more malleable. It is perfect size with different pouches for my mobile phone and even small objects. It’s versatile and definitely my favourite everyday bag in the wardrobe.
I would definitely recommend it to a friend! Thanks Choose Australian for making such a wonderful handbag.

Adelina handbag and Anais belt.
I love this bag! The first thing I noticed about this bag was its softness. The exterior is a soft, smooth kangaroo leather while the lining is a luxurious, velvety suede. The handbag is very light in weight with an impressive capacity. I especially like the front pocket. It is deep enough to carry my phone and because of its depth nothing slides out. The zipper is a great size and glides smoothly to open and close. I like that the straps are interchangeable. I can wear the bag in a cross-body style or swap the strap for the wrist strap. I have recommended this style handbag and brand to all of my friends.

This belt is beautiful. I love the design, it is so unique. I wear the belt with dresses and skirts. It is very versatile so it can have a casual or formal look depending on the outfit. I believe the belt is the perfect accessory to complete any ensemble.
The buttons are aptly spaced and the leather is soft yet secure when on. I have many people compliment me on the belt.