Workem launches the Canapol project, a new environmentally sustainable and certified tanning agent made from renewable raw materials that intends to carve out a leading role for itself in the panorama of an increasingly circular and heavy metal-free supply chain
The solution for a green future of the tanning process is called Canapol. The new line of eco-sustainable and certified products for leather tanning promises a total reduction in the use of heavy metals (chrome, aluminium, iron, titanium, zirconium) in the production cycle and an increase in the biodegradability of waste and finished leather. Giacomo Monteverde, owner of Workem, a company based in Santa Croce sull’Arno and partner in the development of eco-friendly chemical products of the highest innovative value, tells us about it.
Giacomo Monteverde, how was Workem created?
“Workem was created in January 2019, a year before the pandemic. It was a difficult start, but we rolled up our sleeves and continued the business without lay-offs, even hiring staff. We are not new in the tanning sector, where my father – Giuseppe Monteverde – is a well-known and respected person for his fifty years of experience in the chemical industry. I worked alongside him for several years, after which we decided to embark on this wonderful adventure aware of the real needs of the market in terms of sustainability’.
What is the focus of the Canapol project?
“We are now aware that the promotion of circular economy models and the use of materials with a low environmental impact are certainties with which companies must steer their path towards a more sustainable future. Our project does not envisage eliminating chromium and replacing it with another chemical product that does not contain metals, but focuses on natural resources in a circular economy perspective. The focus of the project is to use hemp from phytodepuration and use it for planting in polluted soils. After harvesting, we recover the seeds (where only an infinitesimal part of the absorbed waste spills out) that cannot be used for human consumption, while the fibrous component is used for the production of bricks for green building. As a result, we get a bio-based tanner and at the same time that soil is in better condition. Not to mention the total abatement of heavy metals in the tanning industry and the increased biodegradability of the waste and finished leather. Closing the cycle’.
From the idea to the development of the perfect product is a long way!
“It takes the right intuition, a bit of luck and a lot of good will! Experience and the drive to always do better have played a key role in getting us to the result sooner. We have reached the end of the road and the data gives us comfort. The Canapol-tanned leathers were subjected to thorough laboratory analyses that proved their biodegradability (97%) according to UNI EN ISO 20136:2020. We obtained the TÜV Austria OK compost certification (our article is 88% bio-based). We have carried out an LCA – Life Cycle Assessment study on the product and have already filed two patents confirming the properties of the compost. Finally, we are conducting tests to assess the phytotoxicity of Canapol-tanned leathers.
Is the new product already generating interest?
“There is interest in various aspects from all sectors, from footwear to high-end leather goods to furniture. The strength of a product lies in trying to find its weak point: Canapol has been examined thoroughly at 360 degrees and there is not a single reason why this project should not be continued. Product quality, widespread and dedicated service, and applied research are after all our calling card. We are always able to prove what we say and this is highly appreciated by our customers’.
Your plans for the future?
“We started in 2019 and then the world stopped. Despite the pandemic and the price battle to date we have almost quadrupled our turnover. I think 2024 will be the year we really start, we have a lot of new things in the pipeline and Canapol is the key to open the door. We are working on getting phyto-purification off the ground, organising a supply chain and coordinating a major planting trial with some partners. Let’s just hope that the drought doesn’t work against us”.
Giacomo Monteverde con il padre Giuseppe