The tanning process explained

Tanning turns a raw animal hide into leather that does not rot and can be used for years. It is part science and part craft.

Preparing the hide

Hides are soaked and cleaned to remove salt, dirt and hair. The inner layer is trimmed so only the strong, useful part of the hide remains.

Tanning

The hides are placed in large drums with tanning agents. These change the structure of the hide so it becomes stable, soft and resistant to water and heat.

Dyeing and finishing

Color is added in the drum so it soaks all the way through. The leather is then dried, staked to make it soft, and finished with a protective coating. Each hide is checked before it is packed and shipped.