What is meant by chrome tanning?

Chrome tanning is a process in which hides are treated with chromium (III) salts. It is considered to be the most common form of tanning due to its fast process. Chromium tanned hides are tinged with blue in their raw state and referred to as “wet-blue.”

Is chromium tanned leather toxic?

Chrome tanned leather is leather produced using a solution of chemicals, acids and salts to dye the hide. Chrome, like any heavy metal, is extremely toxic and environmentally damaging, thus creating wastewater leftovers that are very toxic.

What is chromium tanned leather?

Chrome tanned leather is the most popular way of tanning leather. This is because it is a very quick method, and can produce a product in just days. The hides are dyed in acid, salt, chromium sulfate and other chemicals. This type of leather is commonly used for jackets, gloves, and upholstery for car seats.

What is veg leather?

Vegetable tanned leather refers to the tannage, or method of tanning the cowhide into leather. It’s called “vegetable” because of the natural tannins used in the tanning process like tree bark. Vegetable tanning or veg tan as it’s sometimes called, is one of the oldest methods of tanning known to man.

Why is chrome tanning done?

An high exhaustion tanning process Today, 80-90% of leathers in the world are tanned by chrome tanning. Chrome tanning uses a solution of chemicals, acids, and salts (including chromium sulfate) to tan the hide. All hides then come out looking light blue (known as “wet blue”).

When did chrome tanning start?

In 1858, chrome tanning was invented by the German technologist Friedrich Knapp and Hylten Cavalin from Sweden. However, it was an American chemist called Augustus Schultz who first patented the chrome tanning process.

Is chrome tanning harmful?

If tanneries do not follow certain processes, there is also a risk of chromium VI developing, the deadliest form of chrome. The risk of such things happening varies greatly between tanneries and between countries which makes it a challenge for brands to ensure they’re working with responsible suppliers.

Is vegetable leather durable?

A piece of vegetable-tanned leather is truly a one-of-a-kind product. Finally, owing to its artisanal nature, the vegetable tanning process produces some of the sturdiest, most durable leathers available. Due to the artisanal nature of the tanning process, Vegetable-tanned leather is more expensive than chrome leather.

When was pee used for tanning leather?

Patent leather, known for its glossy, varnished surface, was invented in 1819. Chromium tanning, which involves one of the most efficient tanning agents, was developed during the 1850s and could replace vegetable tanning.

Do tanneries still use urine?

In the Middle Ages, the depilating action of quicklime was discovered, a technique which is still used today in many modern tanneries. This replaced the unsavoury ancient method of soaking hides in urine. During the preparatory stages of leather production, hides are soaked in an alkali solution.