Research and development

As part of our activities aimed at developing innovative articles, technical improvement and solving production and environmental problems, our “Metal Free” and “Chrome Free” tanning methods ensure that leathers are treated safely without compromising quality. 

At the same time, we experiment with the use of vegetable-based tanning agents (with tannins extracted from hemp, quebracho, chestnut or reed), originating from natural and renewable sources, which offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.

Gruppo Mastrotto's chemical-physical analysis laboratory is a crucial component of our R&D strategy. Equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, the laboratory is dedicated to the detailed characterisation of materials, the validation of product innovation and the rigorous quality control of our leathers. 

Our specialists conduct a wide range of tests, from those to determine tensile strength and abrasion resistance to those for measuring water resistance and reactivity to various chemicals. These tests help us maintain the trust of customers and continuously push the boundaries of innovation in our industry.

Beyond the emissions generated by production processes, in the furniture and automotive industries there is a growing focus on the release of emissions from materials in indoor environments. In the case of leather, these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are partly derived from the chemicals used in the tanning process and partly from the leather itself which, being an organic material, emits odours and volatile substances. 

Using mass spectrometry and gas-liquid chromatography, we can identify and measure the levels of volatile compounds released by our products at various stages of their life. This commitment enables us to comply with the strictest environmental standards and keep ahead of future regulations, leading the industry towards more sustainable practices.

Gruppo Mastrotto is at the forefront of the development of regenerated materials and circularity, created by recycling leather processing scrap and transforming it into new products that reduce waste and environmental impact. 

Reviva (with its counterpart dedicated to upholstery, Renova) is a patented material destined for the world of leather goods and made from finished leather trimmings, refined in compliance with a circular economy and logic of upcycling. 

Another example of this innovation is Absolute, an article aimed at luxury leather goods and footwear that incorporates recovered tanning shavings, a waste product that originates during leather processing.

Many of the surfaces we come into contact with every day, including leather, can be easily contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and viruses that may cause infection and disease. 

Thanks to a special treatment, successfully tested in the laboratory and applicable to all types of leather produced by Gruppo Mastrotto, we can eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses from surfaces. 

This patented treatment provides an effective barrier against pathogen replication, ensuring enhanced safety and hygiene.