Focus on Zero Impact. Over 50 clients-partners have joined the project first launched in 2019 by Dani, a leather tanning group headquartered in the province of Vicenza. More specifically, in the leather tanning process they do not make use of any heavy metals: that guarantees the recycling of a waste raw material, coming from a short supply chain, namely the food one. In addition, it also ensures, at the end of the process, the transformation of production scraps.
A 10-year-long research
After an over 10-year-long research, Dani have successfully developed a tanning process enabling them to get Zero Impact leather. In accordance with standards set by the tannery, the quantity of chromium and heavy metals, contained in leather, must not be higher than 0.1%. As for heavy metals, they are therefore replaced by enzymes and natural polysaccharides. As regards finishes, they make them by using other water-based products. They have also implemented a few modifications regarding shaving, re-tanning and finishing steps.
Focus on Zero Impact
Thanks to Zero Impact, Dani have succeeded in reducing emissions of CO2 by 5%. On top of that, the company aims at removing the remaining amount by carrying out some reforestation projects in four large Italian parks, internationally certified by AzzeroCO2. At present, as pointed out by Giancarlo Dani, president of the group, while speaking to Il Sole 24 Ore, “we have planted 2,000 to 3,000 trees in the provinces of Foggia, Nuoro, Alessandria and Rovigo. If we put together both activities, emissions resulting from the tanning process come down to zero. Furthermore, Zero Impact leather also entails lower consumption of water. Over 50 clients-partners have already opted for such new leather so far, therefore sharing the project goals. Among others, some home furnishing and automotive major players.
The comment
“According to collective consciousness, most people consider leather tanning industry as highly polluting. By implementing this project, we did want to show that even our industry can drive improvement on the way to sustainability, to the benefit of the whole area”, commented Dani while talking to Il Sole 24 Ore. “Our challenge is to advance and make progress in the name of sustainability – he wrapped up –. That is why we have been looking for some partners sharing our point of view”.
Read also:
- Leather and life expectancy: a video by Dani highlights the connection
- Dani Group earn ISO 27001 certification for data protection
