Safety, health and environment

Do zeolites pose any risk?

A typical safety data sheet (SDS) for zeolite shows that the safety and environmental safeguards of zeolites have been done at a European and Global levels. Sodium aluminosilicates (as separate compounds, or as aggregates), like those seen in zeolite tanning agents are carefully monitored by the European Food Standard Agency because they are often included in food. These compounds are also monitored for safety, as they are used in commercial detergents used for laundry applications.

What is the main component?

Zeology is a zeolite-based tanning agent. Zeolites are microporous, aluminosilicate minerals commonly used as commercial adsorbents and catalysts. Zeolite consists of three of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust; it is based on the same elements as sand and clay. It offers a more sustainable, chrome-free, heavy metal-free and aldehyde-free alternative to tanning with conventional tanning agents. With the use of Zeology, the leather consists of zeolite and the natural collagen, both environmental friendly materials.

The most obvious routes of entry into the human body would be: by inhalation, in contact with the skin, or by ingestion. The high pH of untreated zeolites can be a source of irritation for the skin or the mucus membranes, so the use of face masks and skin covering is advised. Acid-treated zeolites will have a lower pH and as such, their irritation effects will be fewer. Other than the acute exposure studies performed so far, extended exposure studies have shown no long-term ill-effects. Zeolites have been shown through toxicological screening to have no effects on genes in vitro. The difficulty for the zeolite to penetrate through an intact human skin, make it difficult to enter the human body by contact.

Accidental environmental releases of zeolites into natural waters result in the product becoming an aluminosilicate species. Meaning it will then appear like any other natural constituent, soil, or sediment.

Where do you source your ingredients?

The zeolite used to produce the tanning agent is sourced from The Netherlands, with adherence to strict local environmental and social norms. Our main supplier is a renowned business partner with a production site in the Netherlands, applying high environmental and social standards. The company has RC 14001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001 Certifications and is an Ecovadis Supplier Sustainability Participant.

Do you have a responsible sourcing policy?

We only work with strategic suppliers, who consider sustainability to be a vital part of the way they conduct business. All of our suppliers work according to our BPCoC, which requires them to ensure that human rights are respected, make responsible use of the environment and natural resources and comply with all rules, regulations and ethical standards. Moreover, we work together with our first tier suppliers to continuously improve the sustainable performance of their suppliers (the suppliers upstream in the value chain).

About zeology

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