In economics science, the main factor that makes a product expensive is an imbalance in demand and supply, and it is the same for ostrich leather. Ostrich leather is one of the most exotics and has beautiful follicles that make the leather special and impressive in the leather industry. Lots of manufacturers order this kind of leather for their luxurious products.
What factors in ostrich leather make it the best choice for lux products and high demand?
1- It is rare, which makes it precious for particular customers.
Some people prefer to use goods and clothes that are less common among other people and give them a different look, even if they are going to pay more for a product with similar performance.
2- Ostrich hides and ostrich leg skin leather have specific eye-catching patterns.
One of the unique features of ostrich skin is the existing feather follicles on the back and the chests. Ostrich legs have scaled down the center length of the leg with a natural texture and brilliant glazed shine. Both of these leathers are unique in pattern and are the perfect choices for making shoes, bags, wallets, belts, and other leather products
Breeding and mating season for ostriches
3- It is known for being tough, pliable, durable, and supple.
Ostrich leather is one of the top-range types of leather in the world because of its soft texture and high resistance. Cowhide leather is affordable and durable; however, ostrich leather surpasses its quality.
4- Ostrich leather contains natural oils, which means it resists cracking and stiffness and gives the leather characteristics of flexibility and durability.
Applying oil or wax and polishing the leather products regularly is recommended to enhance their longevity and stability. Certain types of leather, like ostrich leather, require less oiling as they naturally contain sufficient fat in their texture.
5- It is the finest and the most breathable leather that is strong compared to other prevalent leathers.
Regarding leather products like shoes, it’s crucial to consider the level of breathability in the material. This helps prevent the feet from sweating and eliminates any unpleasant odors.
What factors in ostrich leather make it rare and low in production?
1- This animal needs enough space to run.
So ostrich farms should be enormous. The production yield in these farms is much lower than in livestock farms. Ostriches are raised commercially for their meat, hide, and feathers. The required land should be selected by considering things such as land for mating, rearing chickens, keeping adult ostriches, slaughterhouses, hatchery rooms, room for farm equipment and even office buildings, ostrich food storage warehouse, etc.
2- Few countries have a favorable climate for farming ostrich.
The origin of this bird is the continent of Africa. The wild breed of ostrich often adapts to hot and dry weather conditions, although this bird can withstand temperatures of -25 to +50 degrees Celsius. If the climate of the region is compatible with the nature of ostriches, then the production costs on that farm will be more profitable
3- There is not as much skin on an ostrich as on a cow.
The average size of a prepared ostrich skin useable in most applications is around 12-15 square feet . Prepared leather of cowhide size is about 22-24 square feet.
4- This leather is so soft that the production process that it goes through is complicated.
Ostrich leather is prepared by degreasing process, tanning process, and polishing process, wherein the degreasing comprises the steps of removing a flesh layer, a fat texture, and a fascia layer of the back surface of raw skin with a fleshing machine using a surfactant. All these steps are performed on the thin ostrich skin. Its price may be reduced due to holes or tears in the processed leather.
5- Only about a third of the whole skin has quill bumps characteristic of ostrich leather.
The ostrich’s large feathers mostly grow on its back, and when plucked, they create beautiful bumps on the skin. Whereas feathers on other parts of the body have smaller follicles.
It’s a well-known fact that when supply decreases and demand increases, the price of a product goes up. This applies to ostrich leather too. Due to the challenges involved in producing it and the high demand for it to create fashionable items, it’s not surprising that ostrich skin products come with a higher price tag.