Tanning process

Tanning, skill and technology

The Gruppo Mastrotto formula is simple: experience and professionalism in tandem with the most modern technology in the leather industry. This is the winning combination that drives the production of millions of square metres of leathers every year for distribution to markets throughout the world.
The Group’s production process consists of a complex series of treatments where the skills of our experienced workers come to the fore, thanks to increasingly advanced systems developed through a long-term, ongoing research effort. The hides are treated and processed to become shoes, jackets, bags, couches, chairs and indeed any other article that designers and stylists can dream up.

 

  • Soaking

    1. Soaking

    Washing in water to remove impurities and folds from the hides

  • Pressing

    2. Pressing

    Excess water is eliminated and the hide is stretched

  • Splitting

    3. Splitting

    The grain – the outer surface of the hide – is mechanically separated horizontally from the split (the lower part)

  • Shaving

    4. Shaving

    The entire surface of the hide acquires a uniform thickness

  • Trimming

    5. Trimming

    Cutting, selecting and dividing the hide

  • Dyeing

    6. Dyeing

    The key point in the process, lending the hide softness, colour and stability (storage life)

  • Drying

    7. Drying

    Removing the water via vacuum suction using special equipment made of steel plates

  • Conveyor

    8. Conveyor

    Conditioning the leather by suspending it from an overhead conveyor at ambient temperature

  • Staking

    9. Staking

    The leather is softened using a machine that provides a mechanical beating action

  • Buffing

    10. Buffing

    Surface abrasion using special paper to lend sheen (for nubuck and suede splits)

  • Fulling

    11. Fulling

    The leather is softened by mechanical buffeting within drums under controlled humidity conditions

  • Finishing

    12. Finishing

    Treatment to give the desired shine, colour and appearance

  • Ironing

    13. Ironing

    This step is needed to ensure the level of shine required

  • Trimming

    14. Trimming

    Ensuring that the finished product has regular edges

  • Workshop

    15. Workshop

    Physical and chemical tests carried out to international standards and customer specifications

  • Selection

    16. Selection

    Checking for quality, surface properties and thickness

  • Measuring

    17. Measuring

    Measuring with precision electronic equipment, packaging and shipping to the customer

  • Storage

    18. Storage

    Storing the finished material ready for delivery of the samples and just in time service

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