Silvateam S.p.A., a global leader in plant-based tannins, has acquired wet-Green GmbH, the company behind the patented wet-Green® technology for Olivenleder®, making Silvateam the majority owner. This partnership combines Silvateam’s 170 years of expertise in tannin production with wet-Green’s groundbreaking, eco-friendly tanning technologies, marking a new era of sustainable leather production. Together, they aim to set new industry standards and guide the leather sector towards a greener future.

Already a leader in sustainable leather solutions with its Ecotan® brand, Silvateam expands its portfolio to include Olivenleder®, the world’s first leather made from olive leaves. By combining Silvateam’s plant-based extract expertise with wet-Green’s wet-Green® OBE, a 100% bio-based tanning agent, the partnership enhances its ability to innovate and lead the way in sustainable leather manufacturing.

Olivenleder® represents a major breakthrough in the leather industry by repurposing an agricultural byproduct of the Mediterranean olive tree harvest to create biodegradable, non-toxic leather. By utilizing natural tannins from olive leaves, this innovative process eliminates harmful chemicals, reduces waste, and prevents carbon emissions from burning olive tree leaves, supporting a circular economy. Olivenleder® maintains the softness, durability and luxury appeal of traditional leather while earning top certifications, including Dermatest “EXCELLENT” and USDA BioPreferred 100% biobased, confirming its commitment to health, sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Olivenleder® marks the first time a plant-based tanning agent has been used to produce nappa-like leather, offering a fast, soft, and vegetable-tanned alternative. This innovative process complements Silvateam’s Ecotan®, the first biocircular leather tanning technology that is free of metals and harmful substances.

Antonio Battaglia, Business Unit Leather Director at Silvateam, emphasizes that this partnership is a turning point for the industry. “We are setting new standards and demonstrating that sustainable tanning technologies are not only feasible but the way forward,” he states. The integration of Ecotan® and Olivenleder® will help brands achieve the highest level of sustainability, offering certifications that enhance their environmental credentials.

Olivenleder® is more than just an eco-friendly alternative; it represents a paradigm shift in luxury goods. Renowned brands like Vitra, HUGO BOSS, and New Balance are already integrating Olivenleder® into their product collections, proving that sustainability and luxury can coexist. Additionally, its presence in the luxury automotive industry is growing, with BMW incorporating Olivenleder® in the interiors of their iX electric vehicle, particularly in the dashboard, highlighting the perfect fusion of environmental responsibility and high-end craftsmanship.

Olivenleder® also helps brands reinforce their sustainability commitment by offering custom hangtags, further boosting consumer confidence and loyalty. Olivenleder® is truly redefining what it means to create luxury with purpose.

Olivenleder® offers scalable production, with sufficient raw materials to produce over 700 million square meters of leather – 40% of global leather demand. The process is free from hazardous materials and eliminates the “pickling” step traditionally used in tanning, making it more efficient and eco-friendly.

The collaboration between Silvateam and wet-Green paves the way for a more sustainable leather industry. Together, they are reshaping the market by proving that luxury, durability, and sustainability can coexist. Olivenleder® is poised to redefine the leather industry with its innovative, sustainable approach.

This partnership sets a new benchmark for the leather industry, embracing sustainability, innovation, and responsibility to create a cleaner, greener future for leather production.

Interested to know more? Contact Richard Mcilraith, Howard McConachie in NZ or Sean Winter in Australia for more information.