The deal with Kiwirail has seen four carriages on its Tranzmetro line, which operates out of the capital Wellington, refurbished using E-Leather. Kiwirail originally planned to use leather as an interim refurbishment but E-Leather provided a cost effective alternative meeting the exacting standard for texture, quality, colour, flame resistance and cleaning.
Kiwirail, commented: ‘We chose E-Leather as a high-end and eco-friendly alternative to whole hide leather and vinyl coverings. It boasts a traditional style reminiscent of the early days of rail travel and has been well received by the public. The availability of E-Leather in a continuous roll form substantially increased the economy in comparison to hide leather.’
E-Leather’s engineered leather prime component is leather fibre derived from tannery by-products, which is intimately ‘re-woven’. E-Leather is supplied in rolls which results in only a 5% cutting wastage compared to up to 40% wastage for traditional hides. E-Leather distributes its unique material to the footwear, upholstery, leathergoods and transport sectors including aviation, railways and automotive.
