At Septième Largeur, the quality of our leathers is a priority. We are committed to being as transparent as possible and sharing our Know-How. In this article, we will take the opportunity to share with you the different techniques used in the creation of our shoes, and more precisely that of tanning, without which the design of our shoes would not be possible.
To date, the Weinheimer Leder tannery fully participates in the good development of our house. It seemed interesting to us to introduce you to one of our partners with whom we enjoy working.
History
Weinheimer Leder is a German tannery born in 2003 after its separation from the Frundenberg group. Known for its high quality leathers, it is originally named after its creator, Carl Johan Freudenberg. By acquiring the Heintze und Sammet tannery in Weinheim, Germany, in 1849, Freudenberg marked the history of leather by creating one of the most important tanneries in Europe. International business then began very quickly: exchanges with the United States, Great Britain, China and even France. At that time, Germany had only a few tanneries. It is largely thanks to its high quality standards and this strength of innovation that the company is experiencing growing success.
Although the tannery is known today as Weinheimer Leder, it was not until 1874 that it acquired the name of its owner, Carl Freudenberg. The latter then became the sole owner and worked with his brother, Hermann Ernst. It was also he who set up the first test of the chrome plating process, developed around 1887. The duration of the tanning process evolved from 1900 and no longer took place in a few months but in just a few weeks. It was a development worthy of a company constantly seeking improvement. The leather obtained was of high quality with a smooth and regular surface defining the exceptional know-how and unique techniques for an impeccable result.
Founded as a tannery, the Freudenberg Group is today considered a global company specializing in the creation of oil and air filters, floor coverings as well as seals. It was therefore only in 2003 that Weinheimer Leder broke away from the group to become an independent company while retaining this precious know-how.
Values and philosophy
Social commitment - The basis of such success lies in this motivation and determination to continually improve. It is also with his concept of social market economy that Weinheimer's future is promising. By this, we therefore mean a major social responsibility, towards its customers and partners. Finally, we must not forget the dear and impeccable commitment of the staff which, even today, is the key to their success.
A commitment to quality - At the same time, there is also the search for quality leather. The raw materials come from the Alpine regions of Germany, with particular attention to livestock and the countryside where they are located.
Traditional artisanal techniques during the tanning process guarantee an exceptional result. But it is also around strict controls that this aesthetic and this quality take shape.
Specialties from the Weiheimer Leder tannery
The box calf
Even today, the Weinheimer Tannery is particularly recognized for its box calf leather. Full-grain calfskin mainly used for leather goods and the manufacture of high-end shoes, this skin is renowned for its impeccable quality, characterized by its finesse and flexibility. It also has a smooth and uniform appearance, with very little grain, thus offering the cleanest rendering. The particularity of this leather also lies in its tanning, which completes its robustness. Indeed, unlike leathers which are tanned using a vegetable technique, Box calf benefits from tanning with chrome or chrome salt, thus reinforcing its resistance.