Chromium (VI) is one of the biggest problems in leather manufacturing, as chromium compounds are detected again and again in leather products. And yet chrome tanning is still the best and most important tanning process. During tanning, chromium (VI) is not used as a chemical. Detectable quantities almost always indicate that the leather was not manufactured or treated according to the state-of-the-art. Chromium (VI) can be generated in various production steps: During the leather manufacturing process, during storage or while leather or leather products are being transported.
According to current EU legislation, leather products contaminated with chromium (VI) should not be marketed. How can chromium (VI) be avoided?
CADS, Cooperation at DSI has tackled this problem and drawn up a new, unique guide about it. The handbook written in five languages (German, English, Italian, Spanish and Chinese) titled "The Guide for Leather Manufacturers. Recommendations on How to Avoid Chromium (VI) Formation" was written by a group of experts from the chemical industry, research institutes, leather manufacturers and leather technicians within CADS Cooperation. The handbook is geared to the entire leather supply chain, from the tannery to the shoe and leather goods manufacturer, and includes everything known to date about chromium (VI) – in compressed, practical and easily understandable format.
According to the current state of technology, leather and leather goods can be produced today using suitable tanning procedures and equipment without the risk of chromium (VI) formation. Through Quality Assurance in the production facilities, during the course of which technical measures can be prepared and monitored, a defined quality of leather can be achieved and also retained in the long-run.
Dr.Claudia Schulz - Manfred Junkert - Micahel Tackenberg - Andrea Tepest
In the leather manufacturing sector, standards have be created by the Working group, which provide tanneries, with assistance in producing leather without chromium (VI) formation potential.
"The Guide for Leather Manufacturers. Recommendations on How to Avoid Chromium (VI) Formation" is available from CADS – Cooperation at DSI in Offenbach for the price of 20.00 euros (plus shipping). E-mail orders from: b.braun@cads-shoes.com.
What about CADS
CADS , Cooperation at DSI , is a co-operation under the umbrella of the German Shoe Institute , consisting of more than 60 well-known companies of the shoe, leather and textile industry . CADS was founded in November 2007 and focuses on the controversial topic pollutants in footwear and leather goods. CADS is an unsolicited and for the avoidance of risky substances. The aim of the association is inter alia the creation and dissemination of knowledge for the production and marketing of non -polluting, footwear materials. In addition, the members of CADS put sustained for an environmentally friendly production. The CADS affiliates work calls for stricter guidelines than the legislators. The health of consumers is always the focal point.
Press release
CADS
Offenbach/Düsseldorf, 30th July 2015