From raw fur to a cuddly fur product: this requires modern know-how - and traditional methods. Neuenschwander produces tens of thousands of skins every year in its own tannery and finishing plant in Oberdiessbach (Emmental): from rabbit and marten to lambskin and cowhide.
Skins are natural products. This fact must also be taken into account in the finishing processes: Although Neuenschwander uses modern technology in some cases, the same methods that have been used for more than a hundred years are basically applied here. "Tanning and finishing takes time," says Managing Director Bernhard Neuenschwander. "Of course we would like to speed up our processes. But we have to follow nature."
Craftsmanship, feeling and experience: an effective recipe
Many tasks cannot therefore be delegated to machines: Traditional craftsmanship is still very much in demand - and with it employees who have that unerring feel for the material that nothing can replace. Speaking of feeling: Neuenschwander's experts can precisely determine the origin of a fur based on the nature of its wool structure. The company does not use any furs or pelts from breeding farms of protected animal species or from trapping.
Skins are not waste!
"Slope", "slaughter by-product", even "slaughter waste": the terms for raw hides and skins are not exactly flattering. When Neuenschwander collects the raw material from butchers and abattoirs in the region, it is called "disposal". By producing high-quality skins from slaughter by-products, Neuenschwander contributes to the sensible use of natural products.
Become an expert - in 10 minutes
Would you have known? Around 15 steps are required to produce a hide. Why do you have to salt raw hides? What exactly happens during the tanning process? What tanning methods does Neuenschwander use? Are there also vegetable tanning processes? Why are there a Rolls Royce and a Döschwo in the production rooms? You can find answers to these questions and lots of interesting facts about hide production at Neuenschwander in our e-paper.
> View the e-paper about the production process (for PC and tablet).
PS: Be there live:Would you like to follow the fur production process? Register for a factory tour (minimum 10, maximum 30 people, incl. aperitif):
> Register now for a factory tour.
