Manufacturing and supply chain expo Pure Origin, taking place alongside Festival of Fashion Pure London on the 21st – 23rd July at London Olympia, will spotlight innovations and new technology from some of the industry’s most exciting and innovative suppliers and manufacturers with a focus on solutions to environmental issues.
Launching in the UK at Pure Origin is brand-new leather tanning agent Olivenleder® from German sustainable leather solutions business wet-green which has the potential to lead the global leather production industry to a responsible future that is sustainable and healthy.Made using olive leaves, it is designed to reduce the damage the traditional leather production process can do to the environment.
Pure Origin met with Thomas Lamparter, Head of Sales at wet-green to find out more:
“The leather tanning process is a complex one, and for us, the bare minimum in sustainability was just not enough!We’ve gone from being a niche product, used only in a few cars at BMW and a selection of upholstery and accessories, to being involved with many other automotive companies. We have introduced Olivenleder® into the design process for several models, as well as expanding our business from the motor, upholstery and saddling industries to footwear as well. A collaboration with a major German fashion label is our first entry into the fashion industry and a range of accessories, garments and shoes made of Olivenleder® will be introduced before the end of the year.
We believe that true luxury unfolds when superior craftsmanship meets a commitment to responsibility. The wet-green patented procedure has the potential to lead the global leather production industry to a responsible future that is sustainable and healthy – for us and for our environment. This is the future that we aim for.”
What exactly is Olivenleder®?
“It is a tanning agent made from olive leaves. We describe our process as “tanning a by-product with another by-product”. They tan skin as a by-product from the meat and dairy industry, using olive leaves which are a by-product of olive growing. In contrast to conventional tanning agents, there’s no mining for chrome, no crude oil used, and no tree is felled or sacrificed. The olive leaves are purely a by-product of another industry.”
Sustainability seems to be a key to your products, and Olivenleder® in particular. Why is that?
“Leather is such a lovely material, with so many unique characteristics. If we want to ensure that future generations recognise leather as a sustainable and ethical material, we need to provide the solutions to prove this. As I’ve said, leather is a by-product of the meat industry; as long as people eat meat, we can use the skin as a long-lasting and natural fabric rather than creating artificial materials which ultimately pollute our environment. Skin is a naturally biodegradable product and as long as it’s treated in a way that maintains its integrity it will retain this property. That’s why we use olive leaves.”
What will visitors to Pure Origin discover?
“Visitors can expect to see Olivenleder® in many different colours and styles for different applications. And we will be bringing some tanning agent for our legendary tanning agent tasting!”
Pure Origin continues to evolve into the UK’s number one destination for sourcing and manufacturing, knowledge and solutions. As a convenient and cost-effective way for buyers to meet with UK and international manufacturers, Pure Origin brings together over 200 exhibitors from dozens of countries to create a wide range of business and networking opportunities, new thinking and innovation. Garment and fabric suppliers, denim and textile designers and technology brands attract buyers, sourcing, and technical personnel from the likes of Asos, White Stuff, Victoria Beckham, River Island, JD Sports, Marks & Spencer and Selfridges.
Pure London and Pure Origin takes place at London Olympia from the 21st – 23rd July 2019. Visit www.purelondon.com for further information and highlights from the latest show.