ISA Tan Tec breaks ground on Vietnam eco-tannery
Leather producer ISA Tan Tec has started construction work for a new Saigon, Vietnam-based, tannery which is expected to emit 35% less CO2 than conventional tanneries. The figure is based on the carbon dioxide emissions for each square metre of leather produced.
"This is the only factory in the industry of this size that is pursuing such an ambitious environmental plan," remarked founder and CEO, Thomas Schneider. The new tannery will start operations in June 2009 with 280 employees and will produce two million square metres of leather each year.
"The demand from clients such as Timberland, New Balance, Keen, and Hush Puppies for ecologically friendly leather is increasing rapidly. That's why, in addition to our new ecological factory in China, we're building a second factory where our environmental concept will be even more thoroughly implemented," said Mr Schneider.
The hot water needed for the tanning process will be heated using a solar system and the facilities are surrounded by a wall of bamboo that also serves to treat waste water. Ground water is pumped out using windmills.
The company will also make use of excess heat generated during production. The water heated while cooling hydraulic machinery for instance will be channelled into the hot water tank.
