The most widely used technique in worldwide leather production, and the most efficient, chrome tanning is used in the production of around 85% of all leather.
During tanning, the chrome links to the collagen which occurs naturally in the hide, changing its molecular structure. This stabilises it and extends its life – well-kept leather will last a lifetime and not start to biodegrade unless it is abandoned.
People are often confused about what type of chromium is used in the process. For tanning, a small amount of chromium (III) is used in the form of chrome mineral salts. This type of chromium is not hazardous to health. In fact, it is one of our dietary requirements, occurring naturally in foods including apples and green peppers. Drinking water is allowed to contain 50 micrograms (chromium III) per litre.
The toxic variation, hexavalent chromium or chromium (VI), is not used in the tanning process. It is possible for chromium (III) to convert to chromium (VI), but this needs extreme temperatures and oxidative conditions. These conditions are easily avoided by good tanners.
In recent years, tanneries have made great progress in the removal of any excess chromium from the water used in the process. This not only reduces the amount of chromium needed, as it can be reused, it also results in cleaner water.
Josslyn Shi from California College of Art has been crowned Overall Winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition at a glittering final event held at the U.S. Embassy in London.
Company’s brands join the Leather Working Group (LWG) aiming to lead the auto industry in responsible raw material procurement.
For the first time, the Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition is launching in Thailand. Following the success of the competitions in Asia in the China and Taiwan Regions, and internationally, we are on the hunt for the best new Thai
On September 8th, the Taiwan student design competition concluded with a glorious award ceremony at Taipei 101...
We catch up with another design student, Huan Shengan, and discuss the inspiration for her designs and thoughts on working with leather.
