Nahateollisuus

Nahateollisuus refers to the industry involved in the processing of animal hides and skins into leather. This sector encompasses a series of steps, beginning with the collection of raw hides from abattoirs or other sources. These hides are then preserved, often through salting, to prevent decomposition before they reach the tannery.

The core of the nahateollisuus is the tanning process itself, which converts the unstable rawhide into durable leather. This can be achieved through various methods, most commonly chrome tanning or vegetable tanning. Chrome tanning utilizes chromium salts and is a faster process, yielding soft and flexible leather. Vegetable tanning employs tannins derived from plants, resulting in a firmer leather that is often used for traditional goods like belts and soles.

Following tanning, the leather undergoes further treatments such as dyeing to impart color, fatliquoring to improve suppleness, and finishing to provide protective coatings and desired textures. The finished leather is then supplied to a wide range of downstream industries, including footwear, apparel, upholstery, automotive interiors, and accessories. The nahateollisuus plays a significant economic role, providing employment and contributing to the production of numerous consumer and industrial goods. Environmental considerations, such as water usage and chemical disposal, are increasingly important aspects of modern nahateollisuus practices.