AN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED BY THE WORLD LEADER IN VEGETABLE TANNINS ALLOWS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SUSTAINABLE, SAFE AND BIO-CIRCULAR LEATHERS WHICH, AT THE END OF THEIR LIFE CYCLE, CAN BE RECYCLED INTO A HIGH QUALITY FERTILISER FOR ORGANIC FARMING

Ecotan is great step forward towards an even more sustainable tanning process, valid for the entire supply chain. Developed by Silvateam, this innovative technology allows for the production of metal-free and glutaraldehyde-free leathers which can be recycled at the end of their life-cycle. Founded in 1854 near Cuneo, in Piedmont, the Silvateam company is the leading Italian producer of tanning chemicals and one of the top ten worldwide. In addition to the tanning industry, which absorbs about 50% of its production made in its own factories in Italy, Argentina and Peru, its tannins and plant extracts are used in the food sector, in the winemaking industry and in animal nutrition.

We asked Antonio Battaglia, director of Silvateam’s Leather Business Unit, and Eric Poles, project development and sales manager, to help us better understand the features of the Ecotan tanning system and how this project can offer innovative solutions for the entire sector. “Being specialised in the production of plant extracts, Silvateam has always focused on sustainable products – states Battaglia. Aware of the great demand for recyclable materials coming from the market and fashion brands, we developed an innovative tanning technology to allow both tanners and brands to answer the call”.