Olivenleder® – The most important questions
Is Olivenleder® genuine leather?
Olivenleder® This 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.
What makes a difference Olivenleder® of chrome-tanned leather?
The tannin for Olivenleder® It is produced from crop residues instead of minerals or petrochemicals. The tanning process is chrome-free. Shavings and offcuts from production can be processed into biofertilizer. The wet-green® tanning agent is ZDHC MRSL compliant.
Is Olivenleder® chrome-free leather?
Yes. Tanning is done without chromium and without other mineral tanning agents such as aluminum or zeolite. Glutaraldehyde is also not used.
What exactly does wet-green® tanning agent consist of?
From polyphenol-rich extracts of olive tree pruning (OTP): Leaves, small twigs, and clippings from the olive harvest – a byproduct of olive tree care. It contains oleuropein, which is also found in extra virgin olive oil and reacts in leather in such a way that soft nappa leather types are possible.
And for the chemistry enthusiasts ;-): the wet-green® OTP tanning agent for olive leather is unique in its mode of action. In addition to the plant-based phenomena responsible for hydrogen bonding, it also possesses covalent compounds due to the oleuropein, which makes it unique. It is precisely these covalent compounds that enable cross-linking of the hide structure, resulting in, for the first time, super soft, vegetable-tanned nappa leather types.
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.
What happens to Olivenleder® at the end of its use?
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 agricultural residues → tanning agent, chrome-free tanning → production residues (shavings, offcuts) into biofertilizer. Furthermore, repair and long-term use are integral parts of leather's value.
Which chemical standards are met Olivenleder® Leather?
The wet-green® tanning agent is ZDHC MRSL compliant. Tanning is carried out without chromium, metals, or synthetic tanning agents. The skin compatibility of the tanning agent was rated 'very good' by Dermatest® (test item: tanning agent).
Is there emission/fogging data for automotive?
Yes. Emission and fogging values are available for each item and will be provided upon request.
How is traceability regulated?
The wet-green® tannin is traceable (origin of the olive residues), and authorized 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 can appear uniform in the short term, but is often plastic-based, difficult to repair, and can release microplastics. Leather – and therefore 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 use only a lint-free, slightly damp (distilled water) cotton cloth for leather care. Ideally, wipe dry, and if necessary, treat with pH-neutral products, avoiding harsh solvents. This will help maintain the leather's natural feel.
Who can Olivenleder® relate?
Authorized partners (tanneries/processors) and brands via our partners. For samples/projects: contact form/email. Hobbyists and end consumers via leather retailers. 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?
The tanning agent itself contains no plastics. Whether leather releases microplastics depends on the finishing process: without a plastic coating, no microplastics are produced.
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.
What is an authorized Olivenleder®-Partner?
Tanneries that use the wet-green® tanning agent according to our formula and whose products we have technically approved. The logo indicates: This leather was tanned with wet-green®.
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% vegetable tannin
Chemistry: chrome-free, without synthetic reactive tanning agents, compliant with current standards
Use: durable, repairable
Cycle: residues to organic fertilizer
can Olivenleder® Will it be recycled at the end of its life cycle?
Yes. Shavings and offcuts from Olivenleder® They can be used biologically and processed into organic fertilizer.