Tannery Uses 35% Less Energy and 50% Less Water for its Production Compared With Industry Average

- Consistent use of Renewable Energy, Extensive use of Waste Heat, a Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Treatment, State-of-the-art Tanning Barrels and Air Compressors

Topping-out ceremony for the new eco-tannery of the Sino-Chinese producer of quality leather ISA Tan Tec in Saigon. Some 170 employees, along with customers, suppliers and local partners, celebrated the rapid progress of the construction work on the first weekend of July. From October, around 250 employees will produce two million square meters of leather a year for customers here, which include such major names as Timberland, New Balance, Keen and Hush Puppies, and what is more, using as few resources as possible. For the "LITE" (Low Impact to the Environment) leather produced at the tannery, 35% less energy and 50% less water is required compared with the industry average. "Particularly people who buy outdoor products and high-quality shoes are interested in the ecological balance sheet of the goods they purchase. Consequently, producers are looking to offer their customers 'green' products. To meet this demand, we are setting up an additional plant in Saigon," explains Tom Schneider, founder and CEO of ISA Tan Tec. The company already operates an eco tannery at its corporate headquarters in Guangzhou, China.

ISA Tan Tec is expanding despite the financial crisis: The company is investing USD 8.7 million in its new tannery in Saigon. "With this investment, we're sending a clear signal - even during times of global economic downturn, it really pays to invest in sustainable technology," explained Schneider.

With its LITE environmental concept, industry pioneer ISA Tan Tec is receiving a great deal of positive feedback within the shoe and clothing manufacturing sector. Jeffrey Swartz, President and CEO of The Timberland Company: "ISA's LITE leather is setting a new standard for the footwear industry."