From October 2009, around 250 employees will produce two million square metres of leather a year for customers here, which include such major names as Timberland, New Balance, Keen and Hush Puppies, using as few resources as possible. For the "LITE" (Low Impact to the Environment) leather produced at the tannery, 35% less energy and 50% less water is required compared with the industry average. ‘Particularly for people who buy outdoor products and high-quality shoes are interested in the ecological balance sheet of the goods they purchase. Consequently, more and more producers are looking to offer their customers ‘green' products. To meet this demand, we are setting up an additional plant in Saigon,' explains Thomas Schneider, founder and CEO of ISA Tan Tec. The company already operates an eco tannery at its corporate headquarters in Guangzhou in southern China. At the topping-out ceremony, ISA Tan Tec boss Thomas Schneider organised a two-day party - with an Asian-European barbecue and live music. In addition, he invited the guests to a theme park that presents the history and culture of Vietnam. The program also included a golf tournament. ‘We wanted to use the celebrations also as an opportunity to say thank you to all those who have helped us on our way to becoming ‘green' leather producers,' says Schneider. ISA Tan Tec is expanding despite the financial crisis: The company is investing $8.7 million in its new tannery in Saigon. ‘With this investment, we're sending a clear signal - even during times of global economic downturn, it really pays to invest in sustainable technology that conserves resources,' he added. At the new plant in Saigon, ISA Tan Tec is committed to the consistent use of renewable energy. The hot water needed for the tanning process will be heated with a solar system. The solar modules also serve as roofing for the company parking lot so that the employees' motorcycles don't get so hot during the day. The pumps used to transport the water to the factory are supplied with power generated by a small wind power plant. The facilities are surrounded by a wall of bamboo that also serves to treat wastewater. From October 2009, around 250 employees will produce two million square metres of leather a year for customers here, which include such major names as Timberland, New Balance, Keen and Hush Puppies, using as few resources as possible. For the "LITE" (Low Impact to the Environment) leather produced at the tannery, 35% less energy and 50% less water is required compared with the industry average. ‘Particularly for people who buy outdoor products and high-quality shoes are interested in the ecological balance sheet of the goods they purchase. Consequently, more and more producers are looking to offer their customers ‘green' products. To meet this demand, we are setting up an additional plant in Saigon,' explains Thomas Schneider, founder and CEO of ISA Tan Tec. The company already operates an eco tannery at its corporate headquarters in Guangzhou in southern China. At the topping-out ceremony, ISA Tan Tec boss Thomas Schneider organised a two-day party - with an Asian-European barbecue and live music. In addition, he invited the guests to a theme park that presents the history and culture of Vietnam. The program also included a golf tournament. ‘We wanted to use the celebrations also as an opportunity to say thank you to all those who have helped us on our way to becoming ‘green' leather producers,' says Schneider. ISA Tan Tec is expanding despite the financial crisis: The company is investing $8.7 million in its new tannery in Saigon. ‘With this investment, we're sending a clear signal - even during times of global economic downturn, it really pays to invest in sustainable technology that conserves resources,' he added. At the new plant in Saigon, ISA Tan Tec is committed to the consistent use of renewable energy. The hot water needed for the tanning process will be heated with a solar system. The solar modules also serve as roofing for the company parking lot so that the employees' motorcycles don't get so hot during the day. The pumps used to transport the water to the factory are supplied with power generated by a small wind power plant. The facilities are surrounded by a wall of bamboo that also serves to treat wastewater.
