(International Leather Maker, 3. February 2023) Heinen Leather has become the first German tannery to achieve Oeko-Tex’ STeP certification.
STeP, which stands for Sustainable Textile & Leather Production, promotes environmentally friendly processes and aims to ensure fair and safe working conditions.
For STeP certification, production is assessed on chemical management, environmental performance, environmental management, social responsibility, quality management as well as health protection and safety at work.
For German tanners Heinen, this means that its leather production and terracare label were assessed on retanning, dyeing, fatliquoring, waterproofing and finishing.
The STeP certification is valid until January 2026 and Heinen has also obtained the voluntary additional Detox to Zero standard, which is based on the criteria of Greenpeace’s Detox campaign.
Managing Director Thomas Heinen said: “For many years, we have been working as sustainably as possible. We only use certified chemicals and reduce the consumption of water and energy as much as possible.”
“Just as non-negotiable as environmental protection is the protection of our employees, we pay above-average wages and ensure a high level of occupational safety. We are also a training company. I am pleased that our standards have now been officially certified by STeP.”