Zeology, a perfect fit for white leather

Zeology, a perfect fit for white sport shoe leather

Zeology is a sustainable alternative to existing tanning agents. It is zeolite-based and therefore chrome-free, heavy metal-free and aldehyde-free. What makes Zeology unique, compared to traditional tanning agents and other existing sustainable alternatives, is that it delivers both sustainability benefits and superior leather performance. Zeo White, the Zeology-tanned leather intermediate, is unsurpassed in characteristics such as grain tightness, physical leather properties, lightfastness and heat-resistance. In addition, its bright white color, enables white leather, and lighter and brighter colors than were ever possible before.

With this, Zeology has a perfect fit with a high demand leather article, white (sport shoe) leather. In this article Nera shares insights in how and why Zeology creates new opportunities for both leather manufacturers and brands when it comes to white (sport shoe) leather.

Keep white what needs to be white

Zeology, a tanning that is based on zeolite, yields the whitest leather as the active material is white to start with. Other than with chrome tanning or a system that is based on glutardialdehyde (GDA) Zeology tanning does not discolor the leather towards greenish (chromesulphate) of yellowish (GDA). This allows the tanner to use less or even no whitening agents (e.g. titanium oxide or TiO) in later processes. Logically a white intermediate allows producing bright coloured leather as well.

colour indexes

Physical properties – lightfastness and heat resistance

Other key features that are crucial for white leather are the lightfastness and heat resistance. Nera researched Zeology tanned leather and compared it against the most common traditional tanning agents. Zeology tanned leather has an outstanding performance that makes the difference when producing white (sport shoe) leather. In the tables on the right and the pictures below we share a number of comparison analyses on the tanned intermediate to support this claim.

lightfastness and heat resistance (data)

lightfastness (72 hours @ BST 50°C) and heat resistance (24 hours @ 100°C and 144 hours @ 100°C)

Processes after Zeology tanning

After Zeology tanning has been performed, the leather requires further processing in order to obtain a white crust. Our diverse range of Optitan syntans, and fatliquoring agents can be used to impart specific leather properties. Below is a guideline formulation, however, operations and percentages may differ according to raw material origin and the desired leather properties. Although the exact recipe for these applications differ per hide source, earlier processes and the required properties we share a recipe that gives you a fair indication.

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