Doing Our Bit: Finding Alternative Energy Sources To Gas.

2021 has been a year of doing more. Doing more to 'do our bit'. Upgrading equipment and machinery, increasing efficiencies, reducing our carbon footprint and our energy use. While these initatives are not new to Tasman (we’ve been working on these projects for years), it seems as though 2021 has been the year for doubling down on improvements – and ensuring the world knows about how beautiful Tasman leather is (really) made.

You’ll remember we’ve been upgrading some of our equipment and machinery. The new dyehouse is working very efficiently and giving us production gains while reducing energy and waste. Our beamhouse project continues to progress and the main objective of our new set up and technology is to improve efficiency, make it easier for operators, and create less demand on labour by automating chemical additions. Finding new ways to improve our processes is always a priority here at Tasman.

In our efforts to respect the land that has gifted us the resources for leather making, we have some more exciting projects in the pipeline — one of which is to reduce our dependence on gas by finding an alternative energy source. We have been working with an energy consultant for the past two years who is helping us work towards this goal. It’s not an easy process, but Tasman is committed to upholding the responsibility of looking after our environment — because without it, we couldn’t do what we do. We’ve also received funding for a project to reduce gas use (GIDI) by replacing drying systems to infrared, while a heat pump will be installed to catch heat from the wastewater and bring energy back in to reheat hot water for the factory. The global freight challenges are creating some difficulty around bringing the product into the country, but it’s yet another step in the right direction as we do our bit in help decarbonise New Zealand.

Speaking of New Zealand, it’s been fantastic to see the New Zealand story growing momentum on an international level. Manufacturers of all industries are recognising that New Zealand made products are often created with an ethical, environmentally-conscious frame of mind. In the leather industry specifically, New Zealand sourced hides are in demand — and we’re seeing more Tasman customers embrace our commitment to creating a sustainable future.?

As we head towards the final working days of 2021, the Tasman team are working hard to ensure that orders are being sent out as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience and continued support. If there’s anything you’d like to discuss in further detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via?[email protected]

— Neville Dyer, CEO. Tasman Leathers of New Zealand.