Danfield, Inc., Develops Chemical-Free Tanning Process For Leather

Furniture World Magazine

Danfield, Inc., the only leather finishing plant operating in the western United States, announced that it has developed the first 100% environmentally-conscious method for processing leather. Utilizing natural colorants, vegetable dyes and waxes. Danfield's new product line EcoHides creates soft and pliable leather without harming the environment an has plans to showcase EcoHides at several trade shows in the United States. Available in a variety of in-stock or custom colors and finishes with very short lead times, the leather hides are offered directly to the public on www.EcoHides.com or to interior designers and manufacturers by contacting their sales office. The company noted that the conventional tanning technique is a complex chemical process used to transform perishable raw hides into durable leather at the expense of our natural resources. The chrome and other heavy metals used in preparation of leather hides are pollutants that emit toxic fumes and contaminate the air and water, which seep into the environment. Inspired by his California lifestyle to respect earth's resources, third generation tanner and Danfield, Inc. owner Vahe Imasdounian says, "If everyone did their small part we can make a difference in deterring global warming – EcoHides is our contribution. Think globally and act locally is not just a catchy line for us, it's a commitment. That is why we've created a new product line conscious of how we affect the environment." EcoHides uses no minerals or metals during the tanning process. All materials are derived from sustainable, farm bred, Mimosa trees. The natural extract from the trees is used to produce the materials necessary for tanning leather without the use of any toxic heavy metals, resulting in an environmentally-friendly natural process, EcoHides leather is breathable and easier to shape without pleats or creases, and has a higher flexibility of use than chemically treated hides. A.G. Anvari, technical director and chemist, explains, "Danfield is a pioneer in the field of eco-friendly leather products. The EcoHides method has reduced our V.O.C. emission to nearly zero while the AQM is above-standards." EcoHides is not just a product for owner Imasdounian but a way of life at home and in his business. Danfield, Inc. is making its plant environmentally friendly by: reducing the plant's energy use; converting to efficient light bulbs and adding skylights; recycling thirty percent of the water used to treat the hides; using compact, single line machinery with a digitally controlled system that produces minimum waste; vacuuming and compressing for safe disposal all airborne dust and by-products; and recycling all office waste including paper and ink cartridges. Imasdounian has future plans to implement solar and steam energy to be more efficient and reduce Danfield's carbon footprint. About Danfield, Inc. and EcoHides: Headquartered in Southern California, Danfield, Inc., is one of a few tanneries based in the nation and the only one operating in the western United States. The company has a 60,000 square-foot facility with precision, state of the art Italian machinery. Danfield, Inc. offers standard colors in stock and custom colors, plus finishes with minimum lead times. Danfield Inc.'s commitment to produce a product in complete harmony and respect for Mother Nature and its natural eco-systems has resulted in EcoHides, an earth-friendly alternative to high quality leather. EcoHides is produced locally in Los Angeles and distributed throughout the United States.