Hide Preservation: The First Step to Leather

Before a raw hide can become durable leather, it must be preserved – because as soon as the hide is removed from the animal, the natural decomposition process begins. Within a day, it starts to decompose if not properly preserved. Bacteria attack the tissue, leading to putrefaction damage that later appears as weak spots in the leather or renders the hide completely unusable.

The classic method of preservation is salting: The hide is lightly cleaned, then generously sprinkled with salt and laid out to cure. The salt extracts moisture from it, creating an environment where bacteria and mold have little chance. However, not all salt preservation is the same – the way a hide is preserved, stored, and transported determines its later quality. Especially for furs where the hair is to be preserved, careful preservation is essential. If the hide is not properly preserved, the hairs can detach, and the fur becomes unusable.

Good leather, therefore, does not begin in the tannery, but with the correct handling of the hide – from the very first moment.