At Royal Smit & Zoon, we believe that sustainability in leather starts with smart decisions backed by data. Therefore, our R&D team recently completed an in-company Design of Experiments (DoE) course with PAOTM. Design of Experiments in practice In leather processing, Royal Smit & Zoon uses DoE to optimize process parameters and improve leather quality. “For example, we use it to study how we can improve light fastness in leather,” Wouter Hendriksen, our R&D Manager at Nera, explains. “By systematically testing variations in chemistry or process steps, we can better understand which factors influence properties such as fading caused by sunlight.” His colleague, product development engineer retanning Anouk Roolvink, adds: “It’s like cooking: you play with ingredients, quantities, temperature, and time. DoE helps us get a grip on that.” Why DoE training matters to us We came in with varied experience levels: from “heard of it once” to confident users. An in-company format gave us the flexibility to align content to our real projects and bring the whole team forward, together. During the training, we even integrated generative AI tools (ChatGPT, CoPilot) in the analysis and planning of experiments. This proved a valuable dimension to our digitalization efforts. We’re not stopping here: we’ll keep reinforcing learning via internal case discussions, hands-on applications, and periodic refreshers. To all organizations aiming to embed data-driven innovation: tailor your training to your team and practice. That’s when you can make a difference. And, you know it: every drop makes a difference! Interesting for you Discover more news Royal Smit & Zoon presents 2023 ESG Report The annual ESG report highlights Royal Smit & Zoon’s progress, solutions and ambitions dedicated to its mission, to create a socially and environmentally sustainable leather value chain, together. Low bisphenol retanning range with BioTan XP 01L We offer syntans with low bisphenol values and introduce BioTan XP 01L, an innovative retanning agent 100% free of bisphenol. All our bisphenol optimized solutions are thoroughly tested, both on performance and on bisphenol limits. Royal Smit & Zoon presents ambitious new Sustainability Strategy for 2030 Today, Royal Smit & Zoon, a recognized sustainability leader in the leather industry, launched ‘Drops of Difference’, its’ new Sustainability Strategy for 2030. More news Go to all news articles Discover Stay informed Receive the latest company news and industry updates Subscribe to our newsletter Share this:
