Fish leather
Beauty and ethics, the winning duo
The circular economy as a trademark
Casteigt fish leather is the perfect illustration of the circular economy or how to find a new use for a product previously considered as simple waste.
The promotion of this fish skin was a real challenge in terms of research and development. It was not just about transforming the product. It was also necessary that its flexibility, its quality, its elasticity, its aesthetics make it a high-quality product, attractive to the luxury industry, craftsmen and leather goods professionals.
Above all, the manufacturing process had to meet the environmental requirements dear to Maison Casteigt, excluding the use of heavy metals.
Eco-friendly fish skin
« If the manufacturing process that suits us doesn’t exist, that doesn’t matter, let’s invent it ».
It is this conviction which has been the driving force behind the investments made by Maison Casteigt in research and development of Casteigt Leather.
Reusing salmon skins is not an innovation in itself. It is the way of doing it that is new. The saurisseur tackled the problem and called on two consultants to help find a processing solution that allows the production of exceptional eco-responsible, metal-free (heavy metal-free) leather of very high quality, with consistency in the final rendering.
The two known processes on the market did not meet the requirements for Casteigt Leather in terms of environmental protection and the quality of the finished product.
The two known processes on the market did not meet the requirements for Casteigt Leather in terms of environmental protection and the quality of the finished product.
- The chrome dye which allows quick tanning, inexpensive and with a consistent finish, is immediately rejected. It is unthinkable to use heavy metals, harmful to the health of the tanners and pollutants for water.
- The 100% vegetable dye, on the other hand, has an irregular and less durable rendering over the time.
A patented tanning process
With the help of Rémy Lenoy, textile engineer, two years of research and development and 120,000 Euros of investment, self-financed, were necessary.
A crazy gamble at the start, which took the Maison Casteigt to Tuscany, the stronghold of the tannery in Italy.
The competence and perseverance of the two leather engineers, project leaders have borne fruit. They found the solutions, the material and the equipment adapted to flake, press, dry, dye, nourish and protect the salmon skin to transform into noble and high quality leather.
Time and scrupulous respect for each step are at the heart of the process, which requires numerous manipulations. A French patent and a European patent are filed and protect the tanning process. The result is up to expectations and the process makes it possible to meet the specifications of the most demanding leather professionals, whether in terms of quality or respect for the environment.
Behind the figures, it is also and above all a story of family, meetings and passion that allowed the project to see the day.
Flawless ethics
The luxury and fashion industry is today looking for ethics and sustainability, particularly in the choice of its suppliers and partners.
Casteigt Leather satisfies this demand in every way and is capable of producing eco-responsible leather, with a clean manufacturing process that meets the transparency and traceability requirements of the sector.
The Casteigt Company has transposed its ethical and responsible practices to leather, which it is already implementing in the food industry for smoked salmon.
We work together
Application of salmon leather
The uses of salmon leather are diverse. It can be used in leather goods for making clothes, bags, belts or purses. It also adapts to the creation of jewelry…
Handbag
Wallet
Watch strap
Shoes
Belt
