Edelman leathers are by-products of the food industry
The process begins by recycling the hides of animals.  Animals are raised for their meat. One of the many by-products is the hide, which is used to make leather. By using by-products of the meat industry waste is eliminated.

Edelman tanning & finishing
The tanning process is built mostly around water-based materials, therefore limiting emissions of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Many Edelman leathers are tanned solely with tree bark extracts; i.e. Quebracaho, Mimosa, and Oak – Vegetable tannage.  This is the European green tanning.

Italian tanneries have very strict, specific emission standards.  These standards are enforced by the Italian government. Edelman’s finishing plant in New York State uses no solvent based materials and produces no VOCs, as all finishes are water-based, also enforced by OSHA. 

Edelman raw material
Edelman's hides – raw material - are from southern Europe where grazing land is limited. The animals live on well-kept farms where they are fed, cleaned and put in at night. This preserves the land’s natural plant and wildlife balance and produces hides that are largely unstained & unscarred. The natural grain is beautiful, it is not necessary to sand off or replace with embossing.  Dye and finish with translucent dyes, rather than heavy layers of pigment is possible because full grain is unblemished.

Edelman Life Cycle
Full grain leathers, aniline dyed, and with small amounts of pigment in the finish, outlast fabrics 4 – 5 times. Therefore, the life of a leather chair, even in a hotel lobby, is extended substantially.  This eliminates waste. 

Old colorbooks, samples & unused pieces are primarily donated to design and art schools worldwide, for libraries and/or student projects.  Various organizations also receive donations regularly.  Any additional scrap leather is collected and sold to be converted into a variety of products in other markets.

Almost all Edelman packaging and shipping materials are from recycled products and are recyclable.

For a leather specialist in your area, please call 800.886.TEDY.