The main benefits of Zeology

What are the benefits of Zeology?

Zeology is the bestsustainable alternative to existing tanning agents. It is chrome free, heavy metal free and aldehyde free. Therefore, the main benefit is for the environment: less pollution, less discharge of chemicals in waste and waste water, no use of chromium or glutardialdehyde (GDA) and improved biodegradability of tanned material.

Specific benefits for tanneries include:

• Consistent and predictable results (within and across batches)
• Only minor changes in the tanning process are required (easy to implement)
• Zeology allows lime split and full substance tanning
• Enables production of chrome-free white splits
• Zeo White shavings have good biodegradability
• Grain tightness, and hence small bellies
• A flat grain with closed hair follicles
• Zeo White is light colored, making white and bright colored leather possible
• Zeo White is lightfast
• Zeo White is heat resistant
• Good physical properties
• Economics need to be discussed face to face

Specific benefits for OEMs/brands include:

• Sustainability benefits:
  – Chrome-free leather: no risk of chrome VI formation
  – Tannery waste streams do not contain chrome: positive effect on the environment
  – Improved biodegradability of tanned material (e.g. leather shavings)
• Image/sales benefits:
  – Meeting customer demand for chrome-free leather
  – Meeting customer demand for responsibly sourced materials for their intermediates/end products
  – A step forward in the production of biodegradable leather, when combined with suitable biodegradable wet-end and finishing materials
  – A step forward towards/a basis for a circular economy
• Design benefits:
  – The opportunity to use whiter, brighter, lightfast and heat-resistant leather
  – High quality physical properties for the designer to work with

The main benefit for consumers is that they can make a responsible purchase, acquiring responsible leather goods. For the authorities, NGO’s, trade associations, etc. the main benefit is the positive effect on the environment and the improved sustainability image of leather that comes with it.