Approximately 85% of all leather that is produced is tanned with a chromium-based process technology. Chrome-tanning was created in 1858, is very flexible, and is one of the best inventions in the history of making leather. It was the basis for the development of the leather business on an industrial scale. If this process is not operated correctly there is a potential risk in terms of toxicity relating to hexavalent chrome, Cr(Ⅵ). Since leather is a component in many consumer articles, and because some by-products and waste is generated in the leather manufacturing process, it is an important responsibility on the part of the leather industry to manage and fully control this potential risk. In order to be compliant with today's sustainability and regulatory standards, it is necessary to ensure 100% safety for people involved in making leather, for the environment, and for the end users of the leather articles. Huge progress has been made, especially in the last decades, and the vast majority of tanners take this potential risk very seriously. The research and development community is also continuously working on methods to avoid the formation of Cr(Ⅵ) so that it will have no negative impact on the environment or people, and to make it possible for tanners to recycle as much chromium as possible.
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