M6220 - Preparation of hides including curing and tanning

Operational Details
The treatment of hides is undertaken to preserve the hides and prevent the hair or fur from falling out, which is achieved by curing the hide. Different processes can be used, however, in all cases, the hides are scraped and excess flesh is washed off. The process can take up to three days and includes laying the hides out flat, one on top of the other placing salt between each layer. The cured hides are then graded, folded and stored for shipment.

In the wet brine process, the hides are agitated and soaked for 24 hours in large vats containing brine and detergents. The hides are hung on hooks to dry and they are then graded, folded, and stored.

The third process uses as large rotating drum which rotates the hides inside, similar to the action of a washing machine, after which the hides are removed, dried, folded and stored.

Tanning or toughening up the hide is undertaken to avoid deterioration. Much of the work is done by machines, which are loaded and unloaded throughout the tanning process by workers.
Hides are usually brought in from packers and the hides are fleshed, cleaned and dehaired.

Tanning is done by a mineral process where the hides and bronium sulfide powder are rotated in large drums for approx 24 hours. Depending on the intended use, the hides may go through a further process in which the hides are split or shaved to various thicknesses, colour, and are processed from soft to hard leather, and finally pressure sprayed with a lacquer or clear coating similar to latex for waterproofing and uniformity.

SIC Codes
000000561 - Preparation of hides