Leather is an essential material for many industries, especially the footwear, upholstery, automotive and luxury goods industries. However, to guarantee the final quality of the products, it goes through different processing stages, with wet blue and semi-finished leather being two of the most important.
Wet Blue, obtained through an advanced chrome tanning process, serves as a base for various industries due to its resistance, durability and flexibility.
On the other hand, semi-finished leather represents a more advanced stage of processing, where aesthetic and physical properties are already incorporated, such as color, thickness, softness, grain firmness, among others, also giving greater optimization of finishing time and resources for the manufacture of footwear, upholstery, luxury accessories and other high value-added products.
Durli Leathers is a benchmark in the supply of high-quality leather. Its commitment to excellence and traceability guarantees standardized and sustainable materials.
That's why, in this article, we'll explain each stage in the process of transforming raw leather into wet blue and semi-finished leather, highlighting the importance of these stages in the industry. This way, you'll be able to understand how to make sure you're buying products of good origin.
What is Wet Blue and Semi-Finished Leather?
Wet blue leather is the first stage in the process of transforming natural leather into a durable product with high added value. It gets its name from the bluish color it acquires during the tanning process with chromium salts. In addition, this treatment stabilizes the leather fibre, making it resistant and ready for use in the following stages of production.
This stage is therefore essential to ensure that the leather maintains its structure without suffering degradation. This allows it to be applied in different industrial segments.
Wet blue leather can be sold in a variety of formats, such as whole, integral or split hides, making it possible to adapt it to the customer's needs.
But what are the benefits of wet blue leather?
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- High mechanical and chemical resistance;
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- Versatility for different applications;
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- Standardized and reliable metering;
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- Responsible sourcing and complete traceability;
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- Sustainable production with reduced gas emissions and efficient use of natural resources.
Semi-finished leather, also known as crust, is obtained from wet blue or wet white leather and goes through additional processes of retanning, dyeing, drying and softening. In other words, these are fundamental stages in defining its final characteristics, such as color, thickness, softness and feel.
Semi-finished leather is widely used in sectors such as the automotive, furniture and footwear industries, due to its ability to adapt to different final finishes. In addition, its main advantage is the reduction of stages in the industrial process, making manufacturing more efficient and reducing operating costs.
See the benefits of semi-finished leather:
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- Consistent quality standards;
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- High production capacity to meet high demands;
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- Variety of articles, thicknesses and colors;
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- Easy final finishing according to customer requirements;
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- Complete traceability and sustainable production.
Durli Leathers Production Process Steps
Wet Blue Leather Processing
Wet blue leather goes through different industrial processes to achieve its final properties. The main stages include:
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- Raw material preparation: the raw leather undergoes a rigorous inspection to ensure that it meets the quality criteria.
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- Ribeira and Caleiro: in this stage, hair, grease and other impurities are removed to prepare the leather for tanning.
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- Tanning: the leather is treated with chromium salts, which stabilize its fibers and ensure chemical and mechanical resistance.
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- Division and Classification: after tanning, the leather is separated according to thickness and quality, from TR1 to TR4, so that it can be used for the right applications.
Semi-finished leather processing
After tanning, the semi-finished leather goes through additional processing stages from wet blue:
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- Retanning: defining the final characteristics of the leather, guaranteeing strength, elasticity and durability.
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- Dyeing: application of dyes to the drums, providing coloration throughout the entire area and thickness of the leather, ensuring homogeneity and high visual quality.
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- Controlled drying: gradual reduction of the leather's moisture content, preserving its structure and resistance.
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- Softening and Conditioning: techniques such as softening by pin or drum machines, sanding and polishing are applied according to the customer's requirements.
Semi-finished leather can be supplied in different variations, such as traditional leather and Bio-Leather, a sustainable alternative that meets new market trends.
You can read more about Bio-Leather at: BIO-LEATHER Sustainable Innovation in the Leather Industry
Quality and certifications in Durli Leathers production
Durli Leathers follows strict international standards to ensure the quality of its products. Its certifications include:
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- LWG Gold: certifies environmental compliance and good practices in leather production.
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- ISO 9001: international quality standard for industrial processes.
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- IATF 16949: certification for the automotive industry, guaranteeing product consistency and safety.
In addition, the company continuously invests in sustainability, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, optimizes the use of water and energy, and ensures the proper treatment of all effluents and waste.
You can read about these steps and procedures carried out by Durli Leathers in our Sustainability Commitments.
Suggested applications for semi-finished leather in industry
Semi-finished leather has great versatility and is used for various end products, such as:
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- Automotive sector: seat coverings, steering wheels, doors, gearboxes and front panels.
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- Furniture sector: upholstered sofas and luxury armchairs.
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- Fashion and footwear: belts, wallets, jackets and high-end shoes.
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- Luxury accessories: bags, gloves and handmade products.
The possibility of personalization makes semi-finished leather a highly valued material in the premium market.
Our Commitment to Delivery and Deadlines
Ensuring that products reach customers on time and in perfect condition is one of the pillars of our commitment to excellence. To this end, we implement effective strategies that ensure efficient logistics and predictability in the production chain.
Production Planning and Logistics
Our production units are strategically located close to the main slaughterhouses and distribution centers, allowing for a continuous flow of raw materials and minimizing delays. Production planning is based on scheduled demands, ensuring that contracted volumes are met with predictability and stability.
Strict control of deadlines
We work to strict schedules, using management systems that track every stage of the production process, from processing to shipping. This approach allows us to minimize the risk of delays and ensure that customers receive their orders as planned.
Quality Standards and Traceability
The complete traceability of each piece guarantees not only product compliance, but also safe transportation. Each leather is identified with QR Codes and batch numbers, making it possible to monitor the product from its origin to the end customer.
Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
Our commitment does not end with delivery. We maintain an open channel for feedback and after-sales support, ensuring that any adjustments or specific needs are met quickly. Predictability and reliability of supply are part of our culture and principles, ensuring long-term relationships based on trust and operational excellence.
Final considerations
Wet blue and semi-finished leather are essential to the industry, serving as the basis for high-quality products. Durli Leathers stands out in this segment for its expertise, commitment to excellence and environmental concern.
With rigorous processes and international certifications, the company guarantees reliable materials for various sectors, offering standardized, consistent and high-performance leather.Want to know more about Durli Leathers' products? Get in touch and discover high-standard leather solutions for your company!
References:
https://durlicouros.com.br/crust-couro-semiacabado/
https://durlicouros.com.br/wet-blue/
https://durlicouros.com.br/esg-ambiental/
https://durlicouros.com.br/couro-acabado-de-alta-qualidade-durli/