SLG unveils Super Tannery for sustainable leather production

Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has introduced a new “super tannery” in Bridge of Weir, Scotland. This state-of-the-art facility, known for producing low carbon leather, is a significant achievement after seven years of effort. SLG’s focus is on sustainable, low-impact production, incorporating cutting-edge hide processing technology to maintain consistent quality while enhancing environmental performance.

The “super tannery” is designed to substantially reduce energy and water consumption compared to previous equipment. It is anticipated to lower energy use by 82% and water use by 42%. This move aligns with SLG’s dedication to environmentally responsible practices. Earlier initiatives, such as the thermal energy plant (TEP) and the water treatment and recycling plant (WTRP), showcased their commitment to waste reduction and resource efficiency.

Scottish Leather Group has a history of investments in what they describe as “world-class” facilities. This includes initiatives aimed at improving productivity, quality, and sustainability. The latest addition, the super tannery, is a testament to their ongoing journey towards a greener and more efficient production process. It reiterates their position as a leader in supplying the world’s lowest carbon leather.

In their 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, the Scottish Leather Group highlights their remarkable achievements. Over the last two decades, they have reduced the carbon intensity of their leather by an impressive 90%. They have also achieved 100% traceability of raw materials and significantly increased waste recycling, with 77% of waste recycled in 2022. To further enhance their practices, the group conducted an independent ESG analysis for the first time, aiming for continual progress and improvement.