Sustainability

Italian leather, environmental passion

Together for a sustainable future

Del Vacchio Leather Diffusion stands out as a leader in the tanning industry for its dedication to excellence, innovation and environmental sustainability. Our internationally recognised certifications attest to our commitment to producing the highest quality leathers and implementing reliable, environmentally friendly production processes.

For us, sustainability is not just a value, but a daily commitment. We are dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of our activities, optimising resources, reducing emissions and valorising by-products. We work side by side with our stakeholders to share goals and strategies, promoting an increasingly eco-sustainable supply chain.

Together, we can build a better future for the tanning industry and the planet!

Tanning and the circular economy

Less waste, more value!

The Italian tanning sector stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability and fully embodies the principles of the circular economy, recovering leather from food industry slaughterhouse waste and giving new life to tanning waste. Del Vacchio Leather Diffusion has adopted this integrated circular approach and, with a constant look towards a more eco-friendly future, we are ready to make a difference.

Sustainability in 8 points:

Green tanning

The environmentally friendly choice for quality leather with less impact on the environment.

The circular model

The processing of food industry waste and the virtuous management of its own waste.

Air quality

The use of advanced technologies makes it possible to monitor and reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Water: zero waste

Processes with reduced water consumption and advanced purification systems preserve the precious resource.

Renewable energies

The adoption of renewable energy sources is strategic to halt climate change.

REACH and ZDHC MRSL

Strictly controlled chemicals for safe leathers free of harmful elements.

Traceability

Control and assurance of the supply chain are entrusted to source and process traceability systems.

Durability

The inherent characteristics of leather give it elasticity, strength and longevity.

GREEN TANNING

The eco-friendly choice for quality leathers

Del Vacchio Leather Diffusion’s commitment to sustainability starts with the tanning process. The company is progressively adopting a green tanning process free of heavy metals, gradually replacing chrome tanning with vegetable and white metal-free tanning.

Vegetable tanning uses natural extracts, improving the leather’s breathability and ability to age nicely. Furthermore, vegetable-tanned leather is biodegradable and has a lower environmental impact due to the use of natural, non-polluting substances.

Metal-free white tanning uses synthetic alternatives to metals, such as polymers and aldehydes, that do not involve chromium or other heavy metals. Metal-free white tanning represents a significant advance towards more sustainable processing as it completely eliminates the problem of handling waste containing heavy metals, reducing environmental impact and improving safety for workers.

PRESERVING VALUE OVER TIME, TURNING WASTE INTO VALUABLE RESOURCES

The circular model

New life for waste

The Italian tanning industry, guided by the principles of the circular economy, excels in reducing waste and promoting sustainability. It recycles leather from food industry slaughterhouse waste, turning production residues into valuable resources, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits both the environment and the economy.

Del Vacchio Leather Diffusion manages its waste in a virtuous way: leather residues at different stages of processing are delivered to plants that transform them into gelatine for food use or into a nitrogenous organic fertiliser used in both conventional and organic agriculture.

In addition to leather, other waste such as offcuts and trimmings also find new life, with reuse in a variety of sectors, from fashion to papermaking.

The industry’s commitment translates into concrete results. According to UNIC’s Sustainability Report 2022:

Recycled waste
0 %
Hazardous waste
0 %
Air quality

Clean air: a breath of sustainability

Through the use of advanced technologies such as filters and scrubbers, emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carefully monitored and reduced. A key aspect of this effort is the gradual replacement of solvent-based finishes with innovative water-based formulations. This not only reduces VOC emissions, but also contributes to improved air quality and a safer, healthier working environment.

In recent years, VOC emissions from tanneries have shown a steady decline, testifying to the effectiveness of the strategies adopted. The tanning industry thus stands as an example of responsible innovation, actively striving to improve the sustainability of its operations and to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

Water: zero waste

Valuable resource, guaranteed recycling

By directing wastewater to specialised purifiers and applying preliminary waste removal treatments, Italian tanneries are able to effectively eliminate most harmful substances, ensuring the safe reintegration of treated water into natural biological cycles. This virtuous process helps to protect the environment and preserve a precious resource.

Del Vacchio Leather Diffusion, in order to maximise tanning efficiency and safeguard water resources, has implemented the Swiss AQUAMIX mixing and dosing system. Thanks to this technology, it has been possible to reduce water consumption by 20-30%, demonstrating our concrete commitment to waste reduction and environmental sustainability.

Renewable energies

We illuminate the present, we preserve the future

In 2010, Del Vacchio Leather Diffusion installed a photovoltaic system that, until 2022, generated 90.000 kWh of energy, contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 47.700 kg. The continuous expansion of renewable energy installations is a fundamental pillar for the company in its pursuit of total energy self-sufficiency.

In addition, to optimise consumption, the company regularly upgrades its fleet and uses an energy-efficient lighting system. Not only do overall energy costs decrease, but the environmental impact of the production process is significantly reduced. This vision is a beacon for the future, illuminating the present and preserving resources for generations to come.

ACCURATE CHEMICAL CONTROL: ITALIAN TANNERIES IN STEP WITH REGULATIONS

REACH and ZDHC MRSL

Chemistry: few and good!

Under the vigilant control of stringent regulations such as REACH and ZDHC MRSL, Del Vacchio and the Italian tanneries operate with the utmost care, limiting the use of potentially harmful chemicals and ensuring the safety of their products and workers.

The Italian tanning industry implements additional controls on the finished product, ensuring accurate chemical management at every stage of the production process. This proactive approach ensures maximum safety and quality, exceeding expectations and positioning the Italian tanning industry as a leader in chemical responsibility.

According to UNIC Sustainability Report 2022:

Consumption 2021
0 kg/mq
Reduction of consumption since 2007
0 %

Certified traceability for responsible luxury

Traceability

Origin counts: certified quality

Del Vacchio Leather Diffusion adopts advanced computer systems to trace each batch, recording in detail all stages of the tanning process up to the finished product. This approach guarantees complete traceability, allowing verification, even a posteriori, that the raw hides come from ethically acceptable and sustainable sources.

Traceability is not only an ethical choice, but also a guarantee of the superior quality of raw materials that results in products of excellence. This practice strengthens our position, improving our customers’ trust and promoting a transparent and responsible supply chain.

Durability

The lasting charm of leather

In the tanning industry, product durability is an indispensable pillar. Whenever a product retains its value over time, it is an act of true sustainability. Leather, by its very nature, excels in this respect, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological finds of leather garments that have stood the test of time.

This is made possible by the exceptional intrinsic characteristics of leathers, which include elasticity, durability and the ability to age gracefully. Moreover, their high reparability further extends their life cycle, embodying the intrinsic value of sustainability in our industry.

By embracing the enduring appeal of leather, we not only create timeless beauty products and lasting quality, but also make a tangible contribution to a more sustainable future. The resilience of leather testifies to our dedication to environmental responsibility and our relentless pursuit of products that stand the test of time.