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How nature and science combine to create the best leather
The European Science and Technology Week - the concept
Tanweek - the project developed by the European Leather Industry
Public Events: the national seminars
Brochure: Science and Technology in the Leather Industry
Video: Leather works in progress
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Science is not only about walking on the moon…
it’s also about the shoes on your feet!In conjunction with the ESTW, COTANCE has developed Tanweek to highlight how European tanners use science and technology innovations in practical applications that significantly enhance the lives of both tannery employees and the general public.
Tanweek demonstrates how the European leather industry uses research and development to continuously improve quality performance, consumer safety, pollution prevention and effective water and waste management in the processes that turn a byproduct into attractive consumer products.
By sharing this knowledge, European tanners bridge the gap between their activities and the citizens and consumers who enjoy the economic, functional and fashionable benefits of their craft.
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Tanweek - A project developed by the European Leather Industry
Leather tanning is one of society’s oldest crafts. Yet those who appreciate the qualities and appeal of leather products and apparel often know very little about the material and processes that make them so unique.
Tanweek will change that!
Through Tanweek, European leather experts reveal how scientific progress and clean technologies have transformed their ancient trade, providing insight into major technological developments and a fresh look into a pioneering industry.
The main event of Tanweek was an open conference in Bologna, in the framework of Lineapelle, the world’s largest leather fair. The conference was also a showcase for the information materials produced during the year:
A 12-page colour brochure, entitled "Science and Technology in the Tanning Industry - Contributions to sustainable development by European tanners", explains the impact of science on the tanning industry, and show how the latest R&D breakthroughs contribute to a cleaner environment. The brochure is available in English, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and French. The brochure is available for free on request.
A 5-minute video entitled "Leather works in progress" illustrates how science has improved the production of leather in Europe, highlighting the environmental benefits and how they positively affect the public.
Over the last decades, scientific and technological progress has achieved a reduction by 90% of the sector’s emissions to the environment, transforming wastes into alternative sources of energy and bio-fertilisers. In terms of product performance scientific and technological developments have procured to European leathers new properties that leave the material more natural yet multifaceted and colourful.
Communicating with the sector’s stakeholders and notably with the civil society has become a priority for COTANCE. An improved understanding of the leather industry and its scientific and technological achievements and further challenges are considered essential for supporting the sector’s efforts towards sustainability.
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After the conference in Bologna, national seminars propagated its message in other Member States, including Greece, Spain, Sweden and Portugal. At these public events, held in November 2002, tanners met local consumers, students, business representatives, scientists, politicians and the media to explain the remarkable progress in the leather industry.
The seminars in Bologna, Thessaloniki, Igualada, Göteborg and Alcanena included the following activities:
- Presentations by leather scientist
- Presentation of the Tanweek brochure
- Presentation of the Tanweek video, Leather Works in Progress
- Q&A session
- Site visits