A new era for the leather industry: the initiative that combines tradition, quality and sustainability officially launched at the last Simac Tanning Tech looks promising
In the heart of the Veneto leather district, a revolutionary project destined to change the face of the tanning industry is taking shape. Italtannery, a network of Italian excellence, is intended to to redefine quality standards in the sector, uniting traditional craftsmanship with the most advanced practices of environmental sustainability. The tanning industry has always been a pillar of the Italian economy, but in recent years it has faced several challenges related to raw materials’ sustainability and traceability. Italtannery aims to overcome these challenges by creating an integrated system that guarantees the highest quality products from sustainable and environmentally friendly sources. The key to the success of this project lies in the close collaboration between the different companies that are part of it. This network combines the expertise of renowned Italian companies, recognized for their know-how and service excellence, with cutting-edge technologies for reducing environmental impact. The result is a perfect combination of tradition and innovation, able to offer the highest quality products without compromising the surrounding ecosystem. What makes Italtannery truly unique? The answer lies in its focus on sustainability at all stages of the tanning process. To achieve this goal, we need to delve deeply into the processes and develop highly advanced traceability systems. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the quality of the leather produced is stable and reproducible, minimizes the use of environmentally harmful chemicals and promotes the responsible use of water resources. However, the ambition of the first five companies participating in this network – Bergi-Bertech, Erretre, Fratelli Carlessi, Ger and I-Tech – does not stop there. The network is also meant to promote product traceability, letting consumers be informed about the entire leather processing chain, from the animal breeding phase to the finished product. This transparency not only guarantees the authenticity of the products, but also offers the possibility of making informed choices, supporting an industry that is committed to a better future. The initiative is set to transform the way we think about the tanning industry. Its innovative and sustainable vision represents a beacon of hope for a sector that, if properly guided, can become an example of excellence and respect for the environment. In conclusion, Italtannery is more than just a project: it is an idea that embodies passion, innovation and environmental responsibility. We are facing a new chapter in the history of Italian manufacturing, in which technology and sustainability come together to create a better future for all. We are fascinated by this vision and support the initiative that will take Italian tanning excellence to new heights of success, as explained by Cesare dal Monte, Managing Director of Ger.
How did the partnership between your companies begin? What are its objectives?
“The partnership between our companies arose from the awareness that the world ahead requires data management and traceability to increase the sustainability of processes. To meet this market demand, which has accelerated dramatically in the last two years, it is no longer enough to produce large volumes, but there’s the need to focus on more quality with less and less environmental impact. To achieve this, it is necessary to go deep into processes and develop highly evolved traceability systems. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the quality of the leather produced is stable, regardless of the source leather. This requires, in particular, the development of software systems that need considerable investment. Unfortunately, the tannery world is made up of many small companies that cannot afford these costs. This led to the idea of collaborating to achieve a common goal. Initially there were three of us: Mauro Bergozza of Bergi, Antonio Galiotto of Erretre and myself; Fratelli Carlessi and I-Tech joined later. From the very beginning, about a year ago, we started discussing this possibility and shared ideas and knowledge, being all aware that a partnership based on mutual trust was the best solution. This is the true guiding principle of this alliance: to sit down at the table only with the conviction that we established something good and left as much behind.
Today, the project plans to develop a traceability system to monitor the leather at every stage of the production process. In the future, it could evolve towards designing a totally different, more sustainable process with fewer steps. Participation in the project is open to other companies that want to join and contribute to improving the sustainability of the tanning sector. The aim is to expand the partnership gradually and carefully, so as not to undermine the foundations of an alliance that we are convinced will make a difference.”
Sitting at this table, participating companies can share their vision, mission and…?
“Values. The partnership is open to other companies, but the selection will be thorough. At the moment, we are considering applications from firms that have already seen the potential benefits of the project. We want to create a group of companies that share a project based on the collection of timely and non-theoretical data, and systems that then process this data. This is what the fashion supply chain is looking for. During the fair we received great feedback and an equally great interest in the project. This year we are really very satisfied with our participation at Simac.”
The fair was therefore a success for you?
“Yes, the feedback was very positive, beyond expectations. Many clients dropped by our stand to ask for information. In particular, we had some pleasant surprises from clients we had thought were lost. The point is that customers don’t want problems, they want ready-made solutions that guarantee the smooth running of the production process and the satisfaction, right back to them, from their clients. This experience has shown us that our system works. It is not our main focus, but the consequence is that it gives us the opportunity to present ourselves as a group able to offer complete solutions. Each of us maintains our own identity, there is no merger. From this point of view, the experience was exciting. The fair has given us a great boost, because we are all satisfied with the results we are achieving.”
What is the next step?
“Keeping on improving in order to give more and more consistent answers to the market: uncompromising quality, better performance, experienced people, environmental care, logistical efficiency and excellent value for money.”
Cesare dal Monte, Managing Director of Ger Elettronica