A natural and bio-circular tanning system revolutionising the world of leather also through the Ecotan Tour, an international roadshow to create moments of encounter between all the players in the supply chain.

Ecotan is a proudly Italian project that combines aspects of leather sustainability with high performance results. Ecotan aims to offer a real alternative to chrome tanning with a natural and sustainable tanning system comparable in performance to traditional leather. In other words, Ecotan guarantees maximum leather quality and performance, while protecting the health of people and the planet. A true new “third way” that meets high sustainability standards, such as a high biobased content of up to 96%, without compromising the product’s distinctive look and feel.

Versatility is one of the competitive advantages of Ecotan, which can be easily adopted by any tannery, even in companies that use chrome. Ecotan strives to provide a concrete response to sustainability parameters through a bio-circular system that does not produce waste. In fact, thanks to the tannin-based formulation enriched with biopolymers, waste from leather processing, as well as end-of-life leather, can be transformed into metal-free bio-fertilisers rich in nitrogen, a valuable soil nutrient.

An important challenge for the protection of the environment that Ecotan pursues by also working on future recycling and reuse models such as the biodegradability and compostability of hides (some hides produced with Ecotan technology are already tested for this). Ecotan has also revolutionised the classic business model of the world of leather, shifting from a product-focused mentality to a sustainable and environmentally integrated process mentality. Working closely with brands and tanneries to develop new products, Ecotan transforms its partners into strategic players to drive innovation in the market.

An authentic evolution aimed at defining a new lifestyle also through initiatives that are atypical for the leather sector, such as the Ecotan Tour, an international roadshow launched in 2022 that has already reached various markets, including Korea, Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Portugal and, last May, also involved China and Taiwan. An event that from Taipei to Guangzhou to Shanghai brought together tanneries, fashion manufacturers, designers, product developers, scholars and students who are concerned with sustainability and who look to a less commodity and more value-driven fashion with interest.

The Ecotan Tour therefore represents an opportunity to create moments of encounter and collaboration between all players in the leather supply chain, helping to spread sustainable innovation and a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.