Sustainable Development

Being a tanning district in Tuscany, between landscapes wonderfully rich in history and natural beauties, means first of all to work with full conscience to safeguard these environments, the ecosystem and all local communities.

For this purpose, over the years many investments have been made to make tanning compatible with the surrounding environment, making it a fundamental resource.

«I came to Santa Croce, where the most beautiful leather in the world is produced, to discover how an industry as the tanning one can be compatible with the tourist vocation of Tuscany, where the natural wonders of the landscape are combined with the splendour of art creating the conditions for the highest level of quality of life»: these are the words of the Chinese Prime Minister WenJabao, on the occasion of his visit in the district of Santa Croce sull’Arno, in 2004. This was the first ever visit to Italy by a Chinese  Prime Minister.

The district has today, as it had yesterday,   visits by delegations of entrepreneurs, technicians and institutions from all over the world, discovering a virtuous model of industry to imitate.

Over the last 40 years the district has invested more than 1.8 billion Euros in research, innovation and training. These investments were done by the companies belonging to the Santa Croce District in a consortium way.

Water is, of course, the essential component of many leather tanning processes which to be really environmentally friendly must avoid waste and pollution. In the district this has been done by reworking and redesigning tanning methods and optimizing water purification processes with state-of-the-art systems.

In the district, through specific investments in the Tubone project, a water refining plant is being realized that will allow to meet the needs of the tanneries eliminating completely the groundwater draining  .

Use only recycled water from treatment: here is another visionary, wonderful goal of the Santa Croce District, now at hand.