In this highly interesting episode of the Shoegazing Podcast Jacques Kress of the largest calf leather tannery in France, Tanneries Haas, gives an insight into the world of premium leather tanning and how this special business works. Very informative for those who are interested to learn more about how calf leather tanning works, and different angles of this area.

 

Tanneries Haas was founded in 1842, located in the Alsace region in the eastern parts of France. They are owned by the Chanel group, and last year they merged with the neighbouring tannery Degermann and together they are now the largest calf leather tannery in France. Together they are building a brand new tannery next to the existing premises of Haas, so the ambition and belief in this product is high. Haas do mostly veg re-tanned chrome calf leather, both various smooth types and embossed grain leathers, and is used by shoe brands like Edward Green, Heschung, Paraboot and many more.

Jacques Kress of Tanneries Haas.

Jacques Kress of Tanneries Haas.

For this episode I once again was able to sit down with the interviewee in person. A couple of weeks ago I travelled to Germany and France, and one of the stops was Tanneries Haas. Here I met Jacques Kress, Export Manager and responsible for all Tanneries Haas’ clients from the shoe industry, who has a background as European agent for Allen Edmonds. In this conversation with Jacques we’ll get to know the background of the famous tannery, we go through the process of chrome tanning and the rather special way they work with their customers, we talk about how the luxury goods market have taken over from the shoe industry as the main customer for quality calf, discuss the environmental impact of chrome tanning, and much more.

Listen to the episode below, or in your preferred podcast player. All episodes of the Shoegazing Podcast can be found here. If you like the podcast, please give it a good rating or comment in your podcast player.