Research and Development
New Approaches and Technology in Fish Skin Tanning
Norsk Fjordskinn has established a research tannery in Trondheim, where we collaborate with NTNU on technology development and new tanning recipes for fish leather. Automation, sensor systems, and chemicals based on circular economy principles will enable an environmentally friendly tanning process. This will give tanneries better control of tanning methods, resource use, waste reduction, and product quality.
Customers purchasing finished tanned leather are increasingly demanding sustainable products. With this technology, fish leather can be utilized in ways that create far greater value than today’s limited applications.
The sale of finished tanned fish leather is aimed at the fashion, design, interior, and packaging industries, as well as other sectors where the aesthetic and functional qualities of fish leather can be fully exploited.
The Production Process
Step 1: Pre-treatment
The process begins with raw skins being treated with lye, soaps, and enzymes. This removes pigments, oils, and cells, leaving only the pure collagen fibers – the fundamental structure of the skin. The water from this stage is purified, and the residues form a protein sludge that can be used for biogas production.
.jpg)
Step 2: Tanning
Tanning agents are then added, making the proteins resistant to decay and heat. We have developed a tanning technology specifically designed for fish leather. The result is a material that withstands high temperatures (up to
75 °C), washing in water, and the heavy wear of everyday use.
.jpg)
Step 3: Dyeing
Finally, the skins are dyed using both synthetic dyes and natural pigments derived from by-products of Norwegian agriculture. Our tanning technology ensures that the dyes penetrate deeply into the fibers, allowing the leather to retain its color even with wear.
All synthetic dyes we use are carefully controlled to prevent the formation of harmful amines. Even though the dyes are safe, we still purify the wastewater from the dyeing process to remove any remaining residues.