EcoHides™ Talking Points

What is EcoHides™?

EcoHides™ is the first 100% environmentally-conscious method for processing leather. EcoHides™ employs only natural substances derived from sustainable, farm bred, Mimosa trees. The natural extract from these trees are used to produce the materials necessary for tanning leather without the use of any toxic heavy metals.

What differs between the EcoHides™ and traditional tanning process?

The conventional tanning technique is a complex chemical process at the expense of our natural resources. The chrome and other heavy metals used to transform perishable raw hides into durable leather are pollutants – they emit toxic fumes and contaminate the air and water.

EcoHides™ uses natural colorants, vegetable products and waxes which are not harmful to the environment.

What prompted the new product line?

Californians are very conscious of protecting the environment. I try to respect earth’s resources in my personal life and saw a need to do the same for my industry. We wanted to develop a product in complete harmony and respect for Mother Nature and the result was EcoHides™, which is an earth-friendly alternative to high quality leather.

Why now?

If not now, when? We saw the opportunity to create a new product line conscious of how we affect the environment and in the process I think we’ve developed a beautiful and more durable leather. EcoHides™ is a win-win situation and I’m proud that we are the first to bring this to market.

What makes EcoHides™ unique?

EcoHides™ is the first 100% environmentally-conscious method for processing leather. Utilizing natural colorants, vegetable products and waxes, Danfield's new product line EcoHides™ creates beautiful, soft and pliable leather without harming the environment.

What makes Danfield unique?

We are the only tannery located between Wisconsin and Korea. We use modern, precision machinery which allows us to balance large and small runs with our signature personalized service and fast turn-around. Danfield produces only quality products without cheap and harmful chemicals.

Does EcoHides™ make an eco-difference?

Danfield is a pioneer in the field of eco-friendly leather products. Our EcoHides™ method has reduced our V.O.C. (Volatile Organic Compounds) emission to nearly zero while the AQM (Air Quality Management) is above-standards. EcoHides™ is the only 100% environmentally produced leather product on the market.

How does the natural process affect the product?

The natural manufacturing process is not only good for the environment but it creates a better product. EcoHides™ leather is breathable and easier to shape without pleats or creases, and has a higher flexibility of use than chemically treated hides. It is comfortable to the touch and easily malleable compared to chemically treated hides. Due to the natural process and vegetable products, the product is 1.2mm thick as opposed to the 1mm thickness of the other products, producing a “rounder” merchandise.

Is EcoHides™ readily available?

EcoHides™ comes in a variety of in-stock or custom colors and finishes with very short lead times and small quantities. The leather hides are available directly to the public on EcoHides™.com or to interior designers and manufacturers by contacting their sales office.

Do you consider yourself an environmentalist?

I consider myself a concerned citizen who can make a difference in my work and in my life. Danfield, Inc. is committed to alleviating its affect on the environment with EcoHides™ and by reducing the plant’s energy consumption and minimizing production waste. Thirty percent of the water used to treat the hides is recycled. I hope to install solar and steam energy to be more
efficient and shrink our carbon footprint.

Is this just a fad?

Being concerned with how we affect the environment is not a fad; it’s a moral and ethical commitment. Scientific evidence has proved global warming exists, and although we may not be able to reverse it, we certainly should not exacerbate the problem. EcoHides™ is the responsible solution for a cleaner leather tanning process.

Why don't the other tanners follow suit?

It’s a shift in mindset and a significant investment to switch from existing tanning methods.

Is the cost additive worth it to your customers?

Absolutely. Who doesn’t want to leave a legacy of a healthy environment for their children? Also with the current methods, finished hides still emit toxic fumes that pollute your living environment.

Does the process take longer?

Tanning leather is a multi-part, time-consuming process regardless of the methods used.

Do the natural substances fade or wear out faster than chemically treated hides?

No but since they don’t use any UV coating, it is slightly more susceptible to fading in direct sunlight. That is why we don’t recommend it for the automobile interiors but we are working to develop a product that will stand up under those conditions.

What kind of research did you conduct to develop EcoHides™?

It’s been a long development process. Remember that tanning leather is a centuries old process and they didn’t always use toxic chemicals. We’re just going back to roots of the leather industry.

If the traditional process is so toxic to the environment why is the tanning industry not regulated?

It’s a globally fragmented industry. Most leather use has been limited in scope, but the rise of popularity of leather furniture has brought the material into our homes in large quantities and extended periods of time.

Why is leather such a popular fabric? What are the advantages of leather compared to other fabrics?

Over the course of the last two decades, it has become much more affordable and more accessible. The natural beauty of leather appeals to the consumer, it's soft, durable and breathable. In many ways it is easier to clean and maintain and lasts longer.

What are the challenges of working with leather? In dyeing? In finishing? In manufacture? In design?

Working with leather is similar to working with any other upholstery material. Leather hides are generally thicker that textiles and require different machinery to create the upholstery.

What are the typical dyes used with leather? Are there any quality problems to look out for? Are there any regulatory problems?

A leather hide is a perishable skin converted into leather with the use of chemicals and acids. Generally heavy metals such as chrome are used in the tanning process. This process is highly regulated because of the V.O.C. emissions into the atmosphere and acid pollutants in the ground.

EcoHides™ is tanned by all natural bio-degradable farm tree extracts.

What are the typical finishes used with leather? What are the advantages of using these finishes?

Leather can be finished into any color. EcoHides™ leather is printable and can be used in any design thus making it a very versatile material with which to work.

What level and kind of care does today's leather require from consumers?

EcoHides™ is an easy to maintain product requiring little care. Simply use a damp cloth to clean any spills and keep out of direct sunlight.

What are the alternatives to leather? Why use these alternatives instead of the real thing?

The alternatives materials to leather in general would be the use of any other textile or simulated leather. The alternative of working with EcoHides™ leathers would be all natural wool or all natural cotton materials.

The use of these alternatives would be based on personal taste and preference.