Sustainable leather & Olivenleder® – The most important questions
Is Olivenleder® genuine leather?
Olivenleder® is genuine, vegetable-tanned leather using the patented wet-green® tanning agent made from olive harvest residues (twigs, branches, leaves) – chrome-free, metal-free, and without synthetic tanning agents such as glutaraldehyde. The result: high-quality leather with a natural feel and a smaller footprint.
What does Olivenleder® "sustainable"?
The 100% bio-based tanning agent for Olivenleder® is made from harvest residues instead of minerals/petrochemicals. The tanning process is chromium-free, supports circularity (e.g., recycling leather scraps into organic fertilizer), and meets modern chemical standards such as REACh and ZDHC MRSL.
Is Olivenleder® chrome-free leather?
Yes. The tanning process is carried out without chromium or other metals such as zeolite. Glutaraldehyde is also not used.
What exactly does wet-green® tanning agent consist of?
Made from polyphenol-rich extracts from olive tree pruning (OTP): leaves, small twigs, and prunings from the olive harvest – a byproduct that would otherwise go unused. The oleuropein they contain is what makes extra virgin olive oil so healthy. And in leather, as a tanning agent, it reacts with the skin to produce soft nappa leather.
And for chemistry lovers ;-): the wet-green® OTP tanning agent for olive leather is unique in its mode of action. In addition to the plant-based phenomenon of hydrogen bonding, it also possesses covalent bonds due to oleuropein, which makes it unique. It is precisely these covalent bonds that enable cross-linking of the skin structure, thus creating, for the first time, super-soft, vegetable-tanned nappa leathers.
replaced Olivenleder® the chrome tanning 1:1?
For many applications, yes (fashion, interiors, automotive interior parts). In special cases, test values/specifications are decisive. We advise on specification parity (abrasion, light resistance, fogging/emissions). Depending on the application, such as in vehicle interiors for leather-covered components such as instrument panels, it meets the highest requirements. It even performs better than chrome-tanned leather.
What about color and appearance – is only “olive green” possible?
The color palette is broad: from natural tones to bold, vibrant colors and pastels. Pigmentation, dressing, and finishing are crucial – not the tanning agent. The natural, undyed color is a light beige. Thus, ideal conditions for light shades. And intense colors.
How does Olivenleder® at?
Soft, full, and natural, with the patina-like qualities of genuine leather. It's ideal for nappa leather applications, yet remains durable and resilient.
Is “vegan leather” more sustainable than Olivenleder®?
"Vegan leather" is usually made of plastic (PU/PVC) or composite material. Sustainability depends on chemistry, durability, repairability, and end-of-life. Olivenleder® is genuine leather, vegetable tanned, and can be processed without plastic coating.
Is Olivenleder® biodegradable?
Leather is a natural material; tanning influences its degradation. Chrome-free, vegetable tanning and no plastic coating ensure a better end-of-life (e.g., organic fertilizer from shavings/offcuts). Conditions (thickness, finishes, environment) are important.
What does circularity look like in concrete terms?
Upcycling of agricultural residues → tanning agents, chrome-free tanning → leather scraps become certified organic fertilizer. Furthermore, repair and long-term use are integral parts of the leather's value.
Which chemical standards are met Olivenleder® Leather?
The use of this product aims to achieve REACh compliance and ZDHC MRSL. Furthermore, the tanning process is chrome/metal-free and synthetic-free. Since the tanning agent has been rated VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT by Dermatest®, it is ideal for skin compatibility.
Is there emission/fogging data for automotive?
Yes, depending on the specification. Olivenleder® It is designed for low emissions and can meet the fogging requirements of modern OEMs. Data per item is available upon request.
How is traceability regulated?
The wet-green® tanning agent is traceable (origin of the olive residue), and certified partners work according to defined quality and process standards.
holds Olivenleder® as long as “conventional” leather?
Yes. Durability is a core benefit of leather – regardless of the tanning agent. What matters are the product's construction, use, and care.
Is production scalable?
Yes. Modular lines and partner networks enable industrial quantities for fashion, shoes, automotive, and furniture. With the available residues from the Mediterranean olive harvest, it would already be possible to produce more than 40% of the world's leather production. Olivenleder® to tan. This trend is increasing, as more and more olive trees are cultivated for olive oil and table olives.
Why not just use faux leather?
Artificial leather may appear uniform in the short term, but is often plastic-based, difficult to repair, ages quickly, contains microplastics, and does not end in a circular economy. Leather – and thus also Olivenleder® – offers repairability, patina, long service life – key sustainability levers.
How do I care? Olivenleder® correct?
Always remove coarse dirt with a soft horsehair brush, and only use a lint-free, slightly damp (distilled water) cotton cloth for leather care. Ideally, wipe dry and, if necessary, use pH-neutral products, avoiding aggressive solvents. This preserves the natural feel.
Who can Olivenleder® relate?
Certified partners (tanneries/processors) and brands through our partners. For sampling/projects: contact form/email. Hobbyists and end users through certified leather dealers who Olivenleder® in the program.
Difference between “vegetable tanned” vs. “Olivenleder®"?
“Vegetable tanned” is the general term for vegetable tanning. Olivenleder® is a registered trademark for leather produced with the patented wet-green® tanning agent from olive harvest residues, a purely vegetable tanning agent.
Is wet-green® patented? What does OTP mean?
Yes, wet-green® is patented. OTP stands for Olive Tree Pruning – olive tree pruning (twigs, branches, leaves) as the raw material for the tanning agent.
Can leather scraps really become organic fertilizer?
Yes, chips/offcuts from Olivenleder® can be processed into certified organic fertilizer – nutrients return to the field or garden.
Arise at Olivenleder® Microplastic problems?
No, the tanning agent is bio-based. If the leather is manufactured without a plastic top layer, it does not contribute to microplastics from coatings.
Are there any restrictions?
As with any leather, the product design (wet/dry shrinkage, density, finishing) must be tailored to the application. We provide support with test plans and product development.
Who is Olivenleder® Certified Partner?
Selected companies that meet process, quality, and sustainability criteria. The logo indicates verified collaboration.
What is sustainable leather?
Sustainable leather is the result of responsible use of raw materials, clean chemistry, a long service life, and a sensible end-of-life. Olivenleder® is genuine, vegetable-tanned leather: It is made with the patented wet-green® tanning agent from olive harvest residues (OTP = Olive Tree Pruning: twigs, branches, leaves), a pure plant extract, and is 100% biobased. The tanning process is chrome-free and without synthetic tanning agents. The result is a durable, repairable material with a natural feel. Leather scraps (shavings, offcuts) can be processed into certified organic fertilizer, reinforcing the circular economy.
Quick check for leather sustainability:
Origin: By-product of the food chain, transparently sourced
Tanning: 100% bio-based tanning agent
Chemistry: chrome-free, without synthetic reactive tanning agents, compliant with current standards
Use: durable, repairable
Cycle: residues to organic fertilizer
What is clean leather?
Clean leather Describes leather that is tanned without problematic chemicals such as chromium, metals, or glutaraldehyde. Instead, vegetable tanning agents—such as those from olive leaves, chestnut, or quebracho—are used.
Clean leather is skin-friendly, biodegradable and manufactured in such a way that no residues enter the environment or the cycle.
It combines natural aesthetics with true responsibility – from the origin to the finished product.
How do you recognize clean leather?
Clean leather smells natural—not chemically. It contains no heavy metals or synthetic reactive substances and is often tested by independent testing (e.g., Dermatest®).
A good hint: If leather is completely vegetable-tanned and certified as biodegradable, it meets the most important criteria for true sustainability.
can Olivenleder® Will it be recycled at the end of its life cycle?
Yes. Remainders and offcuts from certified Olivenleder® can be biologically utilized and used for certified organic fertilizer are processed.
What happens to Olivenleder®, when it is no longer needed?
Due to its pollutant-free formula, Olivenleder® not only biodegradable, but can also be used in agricultural cycles restored will be used – e.g. for fertilization.