Leather - the finishing touches for the finished material

Although the leather is stabilized after tanning, it still undergoes several processing steps before it acquires its final properties. Each of these steps significantly influences how flexible and durable the leather becomes.

Initially, if desired, it is dyed, usually with synthetic dyes, similar to those used in the textile industry. Subsequently, the leather is greased to make it supple. Without this greasing, the leather would be brittle and inelastic. This greasing ensures flexibility, tear resistance, and a pleasant feel.

Next, the leather is sammed: Excess water is removed through gentle pressure, while the material is simultaneously smoothed. This is followed by drying – either by hanging or stretching – until the optimal moisture content is achieved. Finally, to ensure uniform thickness, the leather is split.

The next step involves the final feel and appearance of the leather. Should it be particularly soft? Should it have a specific texture or a protective layer? Open aniline leather remains natural and breathable, preserving its natural grain and developing a unique patina over time. Semi-aniline leather receives a light protective layer that shields it from external influences without significantly compromising its breathability. Pigmented leather gets an even color application, which covers irregularities in the material. For our apparel leather, we opt for a semi-aniline finish to provide a certain level of protection against wind and weather.

Further finishing steps such as polishing ensure a smooth and shiny finish, while milling, a gentle mechanical treatment, makes the leather soft and supple. Other finishing options include embossing or equipping the leather with functional properties such as water repellency or fire resistance, which can be particularly important in the production of special clothing, such as firefighter uniforms.