The wet-green® method is sustainable because it uses waste products from olive oil production and the power of the olive tree to overcome traditional tanning methods to produce soft, high-quality leather.
As Magazine Leather, we are publishing our interview with Thomas M. Lamparter, sales manager of Olivenleder®, which operates in the field of olive tanning in Germany, on “OLIVENLEDER®, LEATHER TANNING AND SUSTAINABILITY”
Mr. Thomas M. Lamparter would first of all like to get to know Olivenleder®?
Olivenleder® leads the sustainable leather manufacturing with a green tanning technology based on by-products of olive growing, for example olive leaves which have been brewed like a tea into an olive leaf extract. This purely plant-based pre-tanning agent has been certified by the USDA® as 100% bio-based, and approved by Dermatest® for skin sensitivity as “EXCELLENT” making Olivenleder® a pioneer in the industry.
Can we call the use of the olive plant in leather processing “Sustainability”? Do you think it should be considered as vegetable tanning?
Absolutely! The use of olive plants in the tanning process to Olivenleder® represents a true innovation in vegetable tanning. This patented wet-green® method is sustainable as it utilizes waste products from olive oil production and produces soft, high-quality leather, surpassing traditional tanning methods by the power of the olive tree. Not only is the olive tree a symbol of life. Due to its unique healthy components e.g. Oleuropein which makes the olive oil so healthy, this natural cross linker enables our tanning agent to have two (2) binding mechanisms. Hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds which enable for the 1st time soft Nappa-type vegetable tanned leathers, avoiding substances e.g. glutaraldehyde, zeolites or chromium.
What would you like to say about your recent agreement with Silvateam?
Our partnership with Silvateam is a milestone for Olivenleder® and reinforces our commitment to sustainable leather production. Together, we can evolve our practices, expand the production of Olivenleder®, and increase the availability of our eco-friendly leather worldwide.
Do you have any activities as Olivenleder® with the entry into force of the “Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products” (ESPR) in the European Parliament? And what do you think about this issue?
Olivenleder® welcomes the ESPR as an important step toward more sustainable products. With our Dermatest® “EXCELLENT” certificate for skin-friendliness and the USDA validation of our 100% bio-based tanning agent, we are leading in meeting and exceeding the standards set by the ESPR. Olivenleder® will be the ideal basis for brands who are seeking to make products meeting the ESPR regulations.
Olivenleder®, do you participate in international fairs in the leather and leather products sector?
Yes, Olivenleder® actively presents at international fairs e.g. Première Vision Paris, where we showcase our innovations and conduct Tanning Agent Tastings. These tastings demonstrate the quality and uniqueness of our tanning agent, highlighting our commitment to sustainability.
How do you evaluate the German leather industry in terms of domestic and international markets?
With innovations like Olivenleder®, the German leather industry positions itself at the forefront of sustainability. Our technology is widely applied worldwide, from the automotive industry with partners like BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen, to the furniture industry with companies like Vitra and Carl Hansen & Son, and the fashion industry with for example HUGO BOSS, Armani and Tricker’s.
Do you have any Academy activities as Olivenleder® family?
Education is a cornerstone of Olivenleder®. Through collaborations with design schools and universities, we promote awareness of sustainable production and the versatile applications of Olivenleder®.
Do you have cooperation and activities with universities?
Yes, Olivenleder® collaborates with universities and fashion schools to support research and train qualified professionals on how to make Olivenleder®. These partnerships are crucial to deepen expertise in sustainable leather manufacturing. And promoting leather as the ideal natural, circular and durable material, especially to the younger generation.
Finally, what would you like to say to people who are dedicated to the profession?
We invite everyone in the leather industry to proudly share their professions and expertise. Your dedication makes a difference. With #lovemyleatherjob, we aim to create a community where tanners, leather craftsmen, shoemakers, saddlers, and many others can share their passion.
