University of Zeology - Nera Tanning

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!

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'.

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.

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.

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’.

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.

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.

Biodegradability of Zeo White

The biodisintegration of Zeo White is found to be rapid and results in almost complete compostability and aqueous biodegradation.

Masterclass: Biodegradability of Leather

From hide to shoe. How can leather stay biodegradable? Watch the replay of our online Masterclass.

The leather making process: step by step

How is leather made? How to source the most sustainable leather? An overview.

The science and chemistry behind Zeology

An in-depth and scientific-based explanation of how Zeology and zeolite works. Watch the movie.

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 .

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.

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.

Zeology & sustainability

Zeology’s main benefit is for the environment: less pollution, less discharge of chemicals in waste and waste water.

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: 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.