Leather has played an important role in the development of civilisation. Since prehistoric times man has used the skins of animals to satisfy his basic needs. He has used hides to make clothing, shelter, carpets and even decorative attire.

Recorded history shows, pieces of leather dating back to 1300 B.C. have been found in Egypt.  The Greeks used leather garments during the age of the Homeric heroes (about 1200 B.C., and the use of leather later spread throughout the Roman Empire. Primitive societies in Europe, Asia and North America all developed the technique of turning skins into leather goods independently of one another. During the Middle Ages, the Chinese knew the art of making leather. The Indians of North America also had developed great skills in leather work before the coming of the white man.

Leather Tanning is undoubtedly one of the oldest human activities.  In the beginning, skins obtained from hunting and livestock breeding were used for clothing or tents, but they became stiff at low temperatures, and rotted with heat.  It was probably then that attempts were made to render them more flexible and stronger by rubbing in animal fats, This was the first rudimental tanning process which is mentioned in Assyrian texts and in Homers Iliad.

Another process used was smoking, which in all probability started by accident, and later became known as formaldehyde tanning, as this substance is found in the vapors produced by burning green leaves and branches. It was soon discovered that the rotting process could also be stopped by drying, carried out by exposure to the sun or by the dehydrating action of salt. Vegetable tanning was also known during ancient times although it is not clear how the tanning action of the tannin contained in the bark of some plants (especially oak) was discovered.

These methods, which gradually became more advanced and efficient, allowed skins to be used in the ancient world and continued to do so for Century after century, leading up to the present day.  That the use of these procedures was extensive is witnessed by numerous written documents and paintings as well as archaeological finds.  

A significant improvement in processing techniques occurred in the 12th century with the result being that between then and the last century; there were no substantial changes to tanning systems.  Even oil tanning was used to produce protective garments while tawing was widespread although the results were not always satisfactory. Often, finishing operations were carried out to improve the malleability of the leather and improve its appearance, especially by dyeing.  The products, though essentially practical, also met decorative requirements.

A radical shake-up was provided in the middle of the last century with the discovery of the tanning power of chrome salts which led to a drastic improvement in production and was applied in practice in industrial production towards the end of the century.  Another revolutionary element was the substitution of the tanning pit with the rotating drum, along with the discovery of new types of tannins.

As a result of all these innovations, the time required for tanning was shortened incredibly from eight months to a year, to a period of a few days today. Leather is a beautiful natural material.

Nowadays, Leather is vastly used for the production of Shoes, Gloves, Jackets, Furniture, Car Seats.