SUSTAINABILITY IS NOT A CLAIM, BUT A COMMITMENT
STEP INTO THE GREEN SIDE
A ten-point decalogue. The declaration of Cuoio di Toscana aims to set the quality and ethical standards of the Consortium, assuming the role of guarantor both towards the international brands that use its products, and towards the final consumer. The Consortium has always been committed to ensuring respect for the environment. The vegetable tanned sole leather industry is sustainable by nature: it involves an age-old production process that has remained the same over the centuries, and is a virtuous example of circular economy
LEATHER
A 100% natural, renewable, recycled resource.
The companies associated with the Cuoio di Toscana Consortium transform food industry waste – otherwise destined for disposal, with a significant environmental and economic impact – into a high-quality material of excellence.
ANIMAL WELFARE AND TRACEABILITY
No animal is killed for the sole purpose of using its skin. Sole leather derived from non-intensive livestock farming and cruelty-free slaughtering methods are essential prerequisites for Cuoio di Toscana
VEGETABLE TANNING
A deeply-rooted and centuries-old slow production process
Following the processing technique of slow vegetable tanning in vats, the raw hides are transformed into a durable material.
TANNINS
Extracts from chestnut, mimosa and quebracho plants
They guarantee metal-free processing, protecting the health of consumers, the quality of the products and the environment. Thanks to the tannins, the leather is supple, high-performance, hygienic, and safe, ensuring greater safety even when it comes into contact with the consumer’s skin.
RESPONSIBLE FORESTRY
The use of the tannin is sustainable because the plant species from which it is obtained either grow spontaneously from suckers (as in the case of chestnut), or are grown in nurseries and continually replanted at each cutting cycle (as in the case of mimosa and quebracho).
The producers are also supplementing their certification in accordance with the PEFC standard (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes), which further ensures proper and sustainable management of the plant resources from which the tannins are obtained.
REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT – A CIRCULAR MODEL
Solid waste recycling
The recovery by the Consortium Companies of the organic waste produced in the first stages of processing is fundamental as it removes organic matter rich in proteins and fats (such as collagen, peptides and waste gelatine) from the waste cycle, which can then be used in the food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Waste water from the industrial process is directed to centralised purification plants in the area to be appropriately purified before being released into the receiving bodies (rivers, canals, etc.).
WATER RECOVERY
Waste water from the industrial process is channelled to centralised purification plants in Tuscany for appropriate purification.
ENERGY SAVING
No waste thanks to energy saving
The tanneries have implemented energy-saving measures, with the aim of eliminating waste and reducing consumption. The energy sources for their heating requirements are natural gas and other fossil fuels, while the use of renewable energy is steadily increasing.
HUMAN FACTOR
Sustainability is also about research, technology and human factors
All Consortium companies are called upon to commit to upholding values of social ethics, as well as respect for the rights and protection of their workers.
HIGH QUALITY AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
A commitment to the entire Italian sole leather production chain
Cuoio di Toscana guarantees a product that is:
– metal-free
– hexavalent chromium-free
– formaldehyde-free
– aromatic amine-free