leather - Page 8 of 9 - Splenda Quality Leather

Olipo Project: vegetable tanning from olive residues

Content posted by: Lederpiel.

A residue from the extraction of olive oil called bagasse contains tannins that allow the leather to tan naturally, reducing the use of chemicals in the process. This is confirmed by a recent investigation by the A3 Leather Innovation Center Chair, of the Igualada-UdL University Campus, specialized in the leather production chain. The Olipo Project will facilitate the production of leather goods that are more ecological and free of contaminants such as chromium.

This research not only makes the leather industry more sustainable but also contributes to highlighting a residue from the oil extraction industry. According to the director of A3 Leather Innovation Center, Anna Bacardit, the use of bagasse “allows us to obtain top quality ecological leather, while revaluing a problematic waste from the olive oil extraction industry”.

Of the total material that is provided for olive production, only 20 percent is the final squeezed product and the remaining 80 percent is bagasse, that is, the remains of husk, bones and other residues of the raw material. Thus, the Olipo Project proposes new strategies within the framework of the circular economy, establishing synergies between the two industries.

You can read the original article HERE

Leather: imitated but not equaled

Content posted by: Lederpiel.

Lederpiel publishes, this March, a news item entitled “Leather, imitated but not equaled”. It explains that a study has recently been carried out in Europe to assess a total of 9 alternatives to leather of animal origin and that they are promoted as alternatives to it.

Specifically, the elements studied were Desserto (cactus), Kombucha (mushroom), Pinatex (pineapple), Noani (eucalyptus), Appleskin (apple skin), Vegea (grape residue), SnapPap (paper skin), Teak Leaf (teak leaves) and Muskin (mushroom). The samples were analyzed at the independent Research Institute for Leather and Synthetic Materials (FILK) in Freiberg, Germany. The FILK examined the technical properties of these nine leather alternatives, resulting in the Trend Alternatives for Skin Study. The conclusion of this report is clear: none of the substitutes tested exhibited all the intrinsic characteristics of the skin, while some of the substitutes were found to contain chemicals of concern.

For the European association of tanners, “the result of the study concludes that until today the leather is much superior to its substitutes. It is important that customers and consumers are aware of the deficit in properties of alternative materials.

You can access the original content HERE.

What is leather made of and where does it come from?

Content posted by: Leather Naturally

Leather Naturally has recently published a very didactic article entitled “What is leather made of and where does it come from?”.

Interesting aspects emerge from this publication, such as as the main origin of the hides of our industry: they mostly come from cattle, followed very far by sheeps, goats and pigs.

In addition, it answers interesting questions for the communication of the tanning industry. The production process is explained by answering the question “How does a hide become hard-wearing, beautiful leather?” and, in addition, it also analyzes which are the main typologies of leather and in which countries a greater production takes place: Italy, China and Brazil.

This is a very visual and simple article, highly recommended reading.

You can read the original article HERE.

Leather: the best example of a circular economy product

Video posted by: Cotance

The 2nd Social and Environmental Report of the European Leather Industry is an EU-sponsored joint initiative from COTANCE and industriAll-Europe, the Social Partners of the industry. Their aim is to help tanneries position themselves against a European benchmark, measure their progress over time, serve as a communication tool for the public, and as a model for other regions of the world.

In today’s markets, transparency is key and European tanneries have understood this well and taken appropriate action. They strive towards excellence in social and environmental performance.

Judge for yourself the commitment of the men and women of Europe’s tanneries, to sustainability:

Disclaimer:

This video has been funded with support from the European Commission. The sole responsibility for the content of this video lies with the authors. It does not represent the opinion of the EU.

The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Creating Biodiesel from tanning waste

Content posted by: Lederpiel

More than 17 million tonnes of animal elements, derived from leather tanning, are processed every year across Europe, producing just under 3 million tonnes of animal fat.

Part of all this fat is solely destined for disposal in landfills or incineration, which is a problem for both the climate and the environment as it may contain harmful substances.

To give a new life to this element, the new Life Superbiodiesel project offers an alternative for the recovery of these wastes and aims to develop, test and demonstrate the production of biodiesel from animal waste using a new fat transesterification technology.

The Technological Institute AIJU coordinates this project that aims to design, build and optimize a pilot plant capable of processing five tons of biodiesel obtained from animal fat. One of the advantages of this project, in addition to the production of high added value biodiesel, is the potential reduction of 80 percent of the carbon footprint over conventional diesels and 35 percent compared to first generation biodiesel, according to first estimates.

You can read the original information HERE.

Closing the circle: how to know if leather is compostable?

Content posted by: Lederpiel

A great way to promote the sustainable use of leather, after its useful life, would be to use it for composting and its subsequent use as fertilizer for plants, once it has been reduced to mineralized organic matter.

This requires the development, in addition to more sustainable and chromium-free leathers, of methodologies and standards that allow a clear and precise assessment of the potential of these materials to be used for composting purposes. Currently there is no procedure or standard to evaluate leather as a possible candidate for composting processing, which does exist, for example, for the plastics sector.

For this reason, the Spanish footwear technology center, Inescop, within the framework of the BIOREQ Project, financed by the Ivace and the Feder Funds, is working on a test methodology that allows establishing the necessary requirements to validate leather as a compostable material.

Consequently, the BIOREQ Project will contribute to promoting the leather sector, facilitating its revaluation at the end of its useful life, also contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), mainly in the Innovative Industry Category (SDG 9) and Responsible Production (SDG 12).

You can read the original information HERE.

COTANCE presents the Social and Environmental Report of the European Leather Industry 2020

Report published by: COTANCE

The Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community (COTANCE) has just published the Social and Environmental Report of the European Leather Industry (SER 2020).

Increasing transparency in tanneries is an ongoing endeavour for all parties in the leather industry. For more than a decade, the social partners have consistently demonstrated that leather-making is good for people, the planet and prosperity. They have communicated to Europe’s citizens that when leather-making is performed responsibly, it fulfils important societal needs.

Europe’s tanneries are not comparable with the dreadful images of irresponsible operators conveyed so often through the internet and social media. On the contrary, they are plants combining craftmanship and art in an industry that exemplifies better than any other the circular economy; an industry that is seeking young people propel it into the future.

The striving of Europe’s leather sector towards excellence in social and environmental performance has, with the support of the European Commission, been realised in a series of joint projects.

This SER 2020 allows you to judge for yourself the commitment of the men and women of Europe’s tanneries, to sustainability.

The document can be downloaded in several languages HERE.

14 tips to take care of your favourite leather product

Content posted by: COTANCE

Mankind has used leather since ancient times. A by-product of the meat and dairy industry, it is a valuable material with unique characteristics. In particular, it is durable and sustainable and with proper care, it will remain beautiful for a long time; its appearance may even improve with ageing.

Protect leather from direct sunlight, extreme heat and sharp objects.
For clothes and shoes: use leather cleaners and conditioners which contain UV protectants to keep the sun from drying out the leather.
The transfer of natural oils and grease to the surface of upholstery leather can change the colour and feel, contributing to the development of the individual character of the leather. However, if you don’t want this, use a cushion or other covering.
Always remove contaminants as quickly as possible, to avoid residues building up on the surface of the leather.
Clean your leather regularly and wipe it in a circular fashion. Don’t rub the material too hard.
Use a damp cloth (no microfiber cloth), moistened with clean wàter.
Dry and polish the leather with a dry cloth.
Avoid soaking leather but if it does become wet, allow it to dry naturally.
Avoid chemical cleaning agents that contain solvents, such as alcohol.
Generally, test all cleaning agents on a non-visible area.
Suede leather products: avoid water as much as possible and clean them with suede-specific brush, cleaner and conditioner.
Severe chemical contaminations, such as with lubricating oil, tar or dyes, may require specialist cleaning.
Popular household remedies such as beeswax are not appropriate. This clogs the pores, and the remaining residues generate a squeaking and jarring sound on the leather surface.
Only use professional leather care products.

You can access the original newsletter HERE.

COTANCE calls on the European Comission to regulate the use of the term “Leather”

Content posted by: COTANCE

The Italian Council of Ministers approved last May the long-awaited Decree protecting the term “leather”. The new law imposes a ban on the deceptive use of the term “leather” (“pelle” e “cuoio” in Italian language) when applied to identify materials not deriving from animals. Deterring sanctions will be imposed on infringements ascertained on the Italian market.

The Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community (COTANCE) hails this important regulatory achievement in one of the top priorities of Europe’s leather industry: “I wholeheartedly welcome this development that will put an end to the rogue usurpation of our sector’s terminology by materials hiding their actual composition behind the good name and reputation of leather!” said COTANCE President, Andreas Kindermann (Austria). “I only regret that the European Union does not grant to leather this protection across all member States, while it does it for the textile sector and milk products” he adds.

Leather authenticity rules exist in Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Lithuania and Spain, and on industry standards in Germany (RAL) and within CEN and ISO, as well as in other markets such as the USA and Brazil. The regulatory failure at EU level is now being responded with legislative initiatives at national level with Italy being the first country to deliver. Portugal and Hungary are closely following.

You can access the original post HERE.

U.S. tanners launch campaign to promote sustainable leather

Content posted by: RealLeather

The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) have recently unveiled the first in a series of videos as part of a new international campaign communicating the natural, sustainable and durable nature of leather.

Launched under the banner of “Real Leather. Stay Different.”, the campaign will feature three videos and social shorts looking at nature and sustainability, the importance of sourcing quality leather and leather in fashion.

It showcases leather as the material of choice for artisans and craftsmen, and positions leather products as the sign of the individual who values enduring style over fast fashion. The campaign comes as the fashion world considers the social and environmental impacts of fast fashion and the use of low-cost, disposable materials.

LHCA President Stephen Sothmann commented:

“With leather, we create beautiful and durable items from by-products that would otherwise be destined for landfills, items that will last for many, many years. This campaign reminds us of that long history, the qualities that make leather desirable and its contribution to a more sustainable society. Leather products may be costlier, but there are good reasons why they represent real value for all.”

You can access the original post HERE.