A view on the leather industry by Hans van Haarst, CEO Smit & Zoon Group Royal Smit & Zoon`s Mission The Strategy of Royal Smit & Zoon is to create a socially and environmentally sustainable leather value chain, together. A core element of this strategy is our patented innovation Zeology, a heavy-metal and aldehyde-free tanning technology which we introduced under our Nera brand into the market in late 2021. Recently Anya Hindmarch introduced a new handbag line under the “Back to Nature” label and Puma their iconic suede sneaker – RE:SUEDE – using Zeology tanning technology and circularity as a key point of differentiation. A large number of other OEM’s and brands are on their way to commercializing consumer products using Zeology at the core. Standing up to our values Zeology, among others, is patented, ZDHC Level 3 certified and carries a platinum Cradle2Cradle Material Health Certificate. An LCA for several articles based on this technology is under development and available early next year. The uniqueness of the proposition goes beyond the product itself and is unmatched in comparison with ordinary zeolite-based products. We will continue to work on Zeology with vigor, true to our strategy and respecting the values of our 200 years, family-owned business. For us compliance with (competition) laws, regulations, business ethics is very important in this respect. A lookback on 2021 and a look into the future 2021 was a turbulent year with raw material price increases and cost and availability of logistics requiring our continuous attention. However, most importantly we will need to continue to explain to end-consumers, OEM, and brands the uniqueness of leather, as a by-product of the food industry and a circular material. This is in defense of our markets and industry against alternative man-made materials. It is the time of the year for New Year resolutions and wishes. Mine and ours are to open the eyes of the end consumer together with the brands on what a wonderful material leather is and realize many more successes in addition to those of Anya Hindmarch and Puma in 2022. I wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and health, happiness, and prosperity in the New Year. Hans van Haarst CEO Royal Smit & Zoon Interesting for you Discover more on The leather industry What chemicals are used to tan leather? The most used chemical to tan leather is chromium III. Other chemicals used in tanning are aldehyde, vegetable tannins and zeolites. Hans` perspective: Fundamental changes on the horizon for GDA Chinese government implemented legislation under which the handling of chromium-containing waste streams is heavily controlled and restricted. Processes will need to be changed, recipes and articles reformulated, approvals and certifications redone and consumers informed and educated. Hans’ perspective: Reflecting on the post COVID-19 world When making sourcing decisions one should take societal cost into account: what are the global society cost of soil remediation, water- and ocean clean-up and climate change? And how can a circular material like leather make a contribution in this context? The leather industry Discover Stay informed Receive the latest company news and industry updates Subscribe Share this:
