![Real Leather. Stay Different.: When Leather Meets Traditional Chinese Arts](https://s.chooserealleather.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6825bamboo-540x360.jpeg)
Real Leather. Stay Different.: When Leather Meets Traditional Chinese Arts
In this new series, Real Leather. Stay Different. explores Traditional Chinese Culture, combining the two ancient arts of bamboo weaving and leather craft.
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.
In this new series, Real Leather. Stay Different. explores Traditional Chinese Culture, combining the two ancient arts of bamboo weaving and leather craft.
Spanish tannery Tenerías Omega made history in 2002 by becoming the first to create leather for the International Space Station.
Trainers may still be top of the shoe trends in 2024, but sunshine is on the horizon (hopefully) – so it’s officially acceptable to shop for sandal season, we reckon.
Real Leather. Stay Different., in partnership with the African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) and the Leather & Hide Council of America (L&HCA), is excited to reveal the judging panel for the 2024 Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase.