Sustainability

Rooted in Tradition. Focused on the Future.

Environmental, economic and social sustainability: this is the direction Superior is taking today. After meticulous assessments and evaluations of past work, we identified what needed to improve and put the wheels in motion. 
We focused in particular on:

Compliance with environmental and safety laws

Safety all around, final consumer included

Constant monitoring of economic, social and environmental impact

Research and best practice

Superior's projects for sustainability

Research and innovation to achieve sustainability, without ever compromising on product quality.

1

Technological innovation

In collaboration with the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa.
We requested a feasibility study to reduce:


Absorption times of chemical products

Temperatures during retanning baths

The use of chemicals in the finishing phase

The use of chromium in retanning (-30%)

Treatment times (-25%)
2

Evaluation of our Carbon Footprint

We assessed our greenhouse gas emissions at both company-level and product-level and compared them with those of other tanneries.


5.2% influence on CO2 production (company carbon footprint)

13% influence on CO2 production per m2 of leather produced (product Carbon Footprint)
3

Optimization of energy consumption

In collaboration with Repower.
We put measures in place to manage electricity in the best possible way, avoiding any waste.


Electricity powered 100% by renewable sources

Consumption analysis to optimize production cycles

Monitoring of any abnormal consumption in each department

LED lights make up 90% of total lighting in place

Lower dispersion, as evidenced by thermographic analysis

According to a study by the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg, the transition to renewable sources alone has allowed us to safeguard about 10,000 m2 of polar icecap.

4

Computerization of the retanning process

We automated the retanning phase to make the process faster and safer.


Drum tanning becomes automatic

Operator intervenes only to load chemicals or perform controls

The cycle is saved and can be evaluated at any time
5

Industrial waste water management


Total steam recycling, use of a temperature maintenance system and two furnaces to avoid gas consumption peaks

Storage of waste water and demineralized water, abnormal consumption monitoring
6

Drainage water management


10% less, on average, than the maximum value set by the current legislation
7

Noise management


Soundproofing, noise protection & sound insulation
8

Waste management


Company recycling program

Waste isn’t stored on-site

Contact us for more information on our sustainability-related projects