Reweave Impact Report 2021

VENTURE UPDATES
DesertSpring
DesertSpring offers the possibility of bio-based and metal-free leather tanning,
based on the powerful sea buckthorn plant.
ISSUE TACKLED
The leather production industry is
characterized by using heavy metals and
potentially hazardous chemicals. As often not
managed properly, these substances can
cause health issues and pollute the soils and
rivers in surrounding areas..
IMPACT AMBITION
HOW IT WORKS
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
STATUS
Piloting
DesertSpring offers a chrome-and metal free
tanning alternative based on the powerful sea
buckthorn shrub. We’re proud to launch this
patented renewable tanning concept. Not only does
this tanning agent allow for cleaner production, but
it also contributes to combating soil erosion, as sea
buckthorn grows organically in poor, degraded
areas. The local community’s benefit from its highvalue
berries and leaves.
By 2025, frontrunning brands have launched
sustainable high quality leather articles, made
with our tanning agent. For this, we’re setting
up a professional sea buckthorn value chain
offering employment to ca. 3.000 people per
season.
• Scalable business model by working with the
large frontrunning brands in the apparel
sector
• In addition to environmental benefits, this
solution also creates social benefits for local
communities living in rural and poor areas.
2018
July 2019
June ‘20
April ‘21 July ‘21
Nov ‘21
SN Botanicals
and Smit & Zoon
jointly developed
the patented
technology
Enviu joined the
partnership; a
feasibility study
performed; R&D
on the
technology
Initial small
scale trial pilot
on harvesting
sea buckthorn,
partnership with
Solidaridad
First 500 kg sea
buckthorn leaves
turned into leather
tanning agent. Tests
show positive results
Launch large scale pilot of
20,000 kg.
Commercialization,
building partnerships with
large fashion brands
Minimum viable product in
production + received
certificate of social
compliance from
Solidaridad
18