Mondovì, Italy, Reutlingen, Germany, 16th February 2024 – Today, a visionary partnership is announced: Silvateam S.p.A., world leader in the production of plant-based tannins, is the new majority owner of wet-Green GmbH, pioneer of the patented wet-green® technology for Olivenleder®, after acquiring the company from MB-Holding GmbH. This strategic alliance will be the “North Star” for sustainable innovations in the leather industry.
Silvateam S.p.A., with over 170 years of experience in tannin production and leading the way in leather innovation with the Ecotan® brand, and wet-green GmbH, a revolutionary company in eco-friendly tanning solutions, are together setting a new standard in leather manufacturing. This partnership sends a clear signal to the industry: the future lies in sustainable, plant-based solutions.
Silvateam core capabilities in the supply chain and production of plant-based extracts will allow Olivenleder® tanning agent manufacture to be streamlined for the required scaling up in leather making process.
Olivenleder®, known for its 100% bio-based tanning agent wet-green® OBE, represents the apex of sustainable tanning technology and ideally complements Silvateam’s bio-circular Ecotan® range. Significantly, Olivenleder® is considered a “Game Changer” in wet-green’s activities, introducing a vegetable-based pre-tanning agent that for the first time in the history of the leather industry, allows for the production of vegetable-tanned nappa-like, soft and rapid to produce leather. This breakthrough symbolizes a synergy of time-tested methods and revolutionary innovation, with Olivenleder® crowning their joint efforts for eco-conscious actions.
The strategic collaboration brings a significant advantage to the market: the combined use of Ecotan® and Olivenleder® will enable brands to build strong green credentials using both certification labels, culminating in the industry’s highest standard available for sustainable leather products. This integration of technologies and certifications underscores the partnership’s commitment to setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility and best practices in the leather industry.
Antonio Battaglia, Business Unit Leather Director at Silvateam, states: “This partnership is a turning point for the entire industry. We are setting new standards and demonstrating that sustainable tanning technologies are not only feasible but also the way forward. Olivenleder® added to Silvateam full range of wet-end products will allow an unprecedented ability to innovate in sustainable leather technology.”
Ecotan®, known for its low environmental footprint and superior quality, offers a range of eco-friendly tanning methods, including high performance plant-based tanning and chrome-free and GTA-free wet-white tanning. Ecotan® is the first biocircular leather tanning technology, 100% free of metals, making a recyclable, healthy and nature-inspired leather tanning possible. wet-green® OBE, meeting the requirements for a biocircular leather, perfectly complements the Ecotan® technology, together establishing a new comprehensive standard for the leather industry.
With this partnership, Silvateam S.p.A. and wet-green GmbH establish a new benchmark in the leather sector, embodying sustainability and innovation. It represents a clear commitment to a more environmentally friendly and responsible future in leather manufacturing. About Silvateam S.p.A.: Global leader in the production of plant-based tannins and other natural extracts, with a strong commitment to sustainable practices. The company serves multiple industries such as leather, animal nutrition and food & beverage by providing eco-friendly solutions.
About wet-green GmbH, until now an affiliate of MB-Holding: An innovator in the development of eco-friendly tanning technologies, known for the Olivenleder® brand, based on the 100% bio-based pre-tanning agent wetgreen ® OBE made of by-products of olive growing e.g. leaves, pruning, pomace and olive mill wastewater (OMW).
