During 2022, the initiative promoted by Silvateam allowed many brands to appreciate the biocircular leathers made with the metal-free ‘Ecotan’ tanning process. We met Alessandra Taccon, BU Leather Ecotan Project Director, on the second roadshow event dedicated to the innovative tanning project developed by Silvateam, during which products developed by some renowned tanneries were presented. Silvateam is a company with some 160 years of history in the production of vegetable extracts and a strong know-how gained in the development of low environmental impact tanning. ‘Ecotan’ is the technological solution to finally change the paradigm and aims at creating value in the leather world, in terms of both sustainability and circularity of final products.

You have just completed the second round of this remarkable initiative. What developments do you foresee for the future?

“This is the second event that we are doing of this kind, a new model of experimentation that is combined with the ‘Ecotan Tours’, well-established promotional engagements that take us around the world and with a loyal audience. With ‘Openhouse Ecotan’ we also wanted to test a format where we could engage brands all at one time. In addition to the classic activities that we carry out with single tanneries, we liked the idea of getting together to create a moment of collective endeavor with the brands. Clearly, the timing, logistics, and pressures on the design offices do not make this easy, however we believe in it, so we are determined to continue in 2023. We can consider 2022 a rollout year.

We count on being able, over time, to create a regular event that offers a genuine appeal to the territory – that would make all the difference. During trade fairs, everyone runs fast, is in a hurry, and we fail to focus in a real dialogue with visitors. ‘Openhouse Ecotan’ could be the ideal solution given also its strategic location, that is, near the areas of Florence to Scandicci, where the luxury brands produce and count the strategic presence of international teams. During these meetings, the tanneries have time to take care of interpersonal relationships, relations with the brands and introduce their creations. At this last event we presented a broad premium collection, ranging from calfskin to lambskin to exotic leathers. Maybe for next year we will add other promotional activities. However, here, we really like the idea of discussion and dialogue within the territory.”

It is very interesting that you were able to bring together two such different spirits…

“Absolutely. Beyond the uniqueness and specializations of each tannery, it is the shared goal that then leads us all to work together on a common market development and act as a lever to achieve a real change in tanning systems. It is a mutual intent to promote tanning methods that are more natural, more sustainable for the environment, more in harmony with ourselves as well. Basically, this is what leads everyone to go beyond the individual dimension to look ahead, to extend our hearts over obstacles and think that it can really be a common goal in a win-win perspective. Synergy is really the foundational element of this project, for all stakeholders along the supply chain. When it comes to Ecotan, the reverberation is natural, both in terms of the name and of the identity on the market.”