University of Zeology

Enter the world of sustainable leather tanning

Learn how you can contribute to a more sustainable leather value chain, by choosing zeolite-based tanning with Zeology. We also share our knowledge and insights on relevant topics like the leather manufacturing process, waste streams and biodegradability. Dive in!

sustainable leather tanning
It’s time to revolutionize leather tanning
Enter the world of sustainable leather tanning and discover the science behind Zeology. Watch the video.
Whitepaper: Biodegradability and disintegration of leather
Download the Whitepaper 'Biodegradability and disintegration of leather'.
How to tan leather?
There are 6 common steps in tanning leather. It starts with soaking and liming.
Three important certifications for Zeology
Quality and safety of our products are of the utmost importance to us and certifications help us prove that Zeology complies with international industry standards and legal requirements.
Recycling vs. composting. What makes sustainable sense for the fashion industry?
In Forbes’ article ‘Mass Recycling Of Fashion Is Years Away; Is Composting An Alternative?‘ , Brooke Roberts-Islam, dives into the possibilities of composting as a (more) sustainable option to recycling.
tanning with zeolite
Responsible sourcing of aluminium/bauxite for Zeology
As of 2022 Nera has been using zeolite that has been produced from ATH that is certified according to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative1 (ASI) standards.
Publication: Modified zeolites as sustainable alternatives to traditional tanning chemistries
The journal Green Chemistry has published a scientific paper on modified zeolites (Zeology) as the sustainable, versatile and game-changing alternative in leather tanning.
Zeology Leather
Nera’s glossary. What’s in a name?
Zeology, Zeo White, Zeology Leather, zeolite... It sounds almost the same, but it's not. We are happy to explain to you the differences.
Wet end processing of Zeology tanned leather
How to produce crust leather from Zeo White? Zeology tanned leather is different compared to chrome and glutardialdehyde (GDA) tanned leather. These are the differences for wet end processing.
Masterclass Circularity
Watch the replay of our masterclass about circularity in the apparel and automotive industry. You will gain practical tips and insights how you as a brand make the shift to circular.
Responsible Yak Tanning with Zeology in the Tibet Autonomous Region
Zeology is taking part in an exciting, high-altitude journey in the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. Together with ChromeFree Leather Alliance and The Third Pole of The Earth Leather Industrial Co., Ltd. we are proud to showcase responsible Zeology tanned Yak Leather.
Puma Zeology
Fertilizing your garden with old shoes? PUMA is making it happen
A second life for your sport shoes, as a fertilizer for your garden. It can potentially help to diminish billions of kilograms of waste. In The Netherlands, waste processing company Ortessa is performing tests on the compostability of PUMA sneakers.
Zeology ≠ zeolite
4 reasons why Zeology is not just zeolite. Ensure that you, as a brand or tannery, are working with ‘the real thing’.
Return to Nature Anya Hindmarch
Are Zeology leather products available?
The answer is: yes! Zeology leather is commercially available and you can already find it in footwear, car seats, bags and other items.
How To Work With Zeology – FAQ
We have gathered the frequently asked questions about How To Work With Zeology and answered them in one document. Free download.
Masterclass ‘How to work with Zeology’
Watch a step-by-step lecture on how to work with Zeology and how to get optimal results. The Q&A is also available (pdf).
FAQ Biodegradability
Can leather be biodegradable? Get your answers to the most frequently asked questions.
sustainable leather shoes
On what types of skin can Zeology be used?
Zeology tanning can be used for both bovine hides (e.g. bull, cow, buffalo, yaks) and ovine skins (e.g. sheep, goat).
What is the difference between ‘biodegrading’ and ‘composting’?
The first stage of biodegradation is biodeterioration, e.g., black spots on bananas – surface breakdown.
Is Zeology tanned leather more biodegradable than chrome tanned leather?
Zeology tanned leather does biodegrade quicker than the traditional tanning technologies.
biodisintegration zeolite tanned leather
Biodegradability of Zeo White
The biodisintegration of Zeo White is found to be rapid and results in almost complete compostability and aqueous biodegradation.
leather biodegradability
Masterclass: Biodegradability of Leather
From hide to shoe. How can leather stay biodegradable? Watch the replay of our online Masterclass.
Leather tanning
The leather making process: step by step
How is leather made? How to source the most sustainable leather? An overview.
zeolite in detail
The science and chemistry behind Zeology
An in-depth and scientific-based explanation of how Zeology and zeolite works. Watch the movie.
zeo white sustainable white leather
Zeology, a perfect fit for white leather
Zeo White's bright white color enables white leather, and lighter and brighter colors than were ever possible before.
Download: Technical Data Sheet
An overview of technical information about Zeology's product characteristics and the tanning process .
Tanning Chemicals
What is a metal tannage?
The type of metal tannage that receives the most media attention is the chrome tannage.
The tanning processes
Discover how the Zeology tanning processes work.
leather colours
The main benefits of Zeology
The main benefit of Zeology is for the environment: less polution. Discover the benefits for brands and tanneries.
Download: Zeology Information Kit
A ready-made document with the basics, benefits and FAQ's on Zeology. Including a basic and technical glossary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course you want to know more. Find the answer to your question.
Chrome Free Leather
Zeology & sustainability
Zeology’s main benefit is for the environment: less pollution, less discharge of chemicals in waste and waste water.
tanning with zeolite
What is zeolite? Zeolite explained
What are zeolites and how can it be used in leather tanning?
Whitepaper: Zeolite & metals
When it comes to tanning, and possible undesirable side effects, media attention is mostly focussed on chrome tanning. What is metal tanning?
Zeology and waste stream
The waste streams that arise from the tanning and tanned leather are typically shavings, clippings and sludge.
Tanning chemicals
Tanning chemicals: what are the options?
Read all about chrome tanning, vegetable tanning and chrome-free tanning methods.
Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)
In the Effluent Treatment Plant, all the liquid streams of the Zeology tanning process are treated to be reused or ready for disposal.