Qualus: Revolutionizing Leather Tanneries with Sustainable Polymer Technology
The global leather industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining product quality and profitability. Tanneries, which are central to leather production, are notorious for their high water, chemical, and energy usage—resulting in substantial carbon emissions and environmental degradation. As regulators, product brands, and consumers demand greater sustainability, tanneries struggle to find affordable solutions that don’t compromise their output or increase costs. The challenge is clear: how can leather production become more sustainable without sacrificing quality or profitability?
Qualus has a game-changing solution. By harnessing its patented process technology, Qualus offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative that dramatically reduces water and chemical use in the leather tanning process. The company’s innovation lies in its polymer spheres, known as “Sferes,” which replace water in the tanning process. This reduces water and chemical consumption, lessens waste, and improves efficiency—empowering tanneries to significantly reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the high quality of leather products. Furthermore, the Sferes are designed to be reused for several years, and when no longer viable, can be recycled—ensuring that this process remains sustainable at every stage.
Greenbackers is pleased to introduce Qualus, a company at the forefront of revolutionising leather tanning. Qualus offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative, on a subscription charge basis, that dramatically reduces costs by cutting water use up to 50% and chemical use by 15-25% in the tanning processes.
Why Qualus:
- Innovative technology: Qualus has developed a patented process technology that replaces water in the leather tanning process with its polymer spheres, known as Sferes. This system enables tanneries to significantly reduce their water and chemical consumption, lower carbon emissions, and improve operational efficiency. The technology is proven to save up to 50% of water and 15-25% of chemicals and it delivers a 15% reduction in carbon emissions.
- Commercial traction: Qualus has already secured contracts with key players in the leather industry, including a 10-year contract with LEFARC in Mexico. The company already serves customers in Mexico, Brazil, India, and France, with a rapidly growing pipeline, and is projecting over $80k MRR in Q3.
- Market potential: Leather is probably the original up-cycled material, and is ideal for durable, slow-fashion, biodegradable products that last for decades. Qualus is tapping into a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity. The global leather products supply chain is valued at over $420 billion, with significant growth drivers such as rising disposable income, and evolving fashion trends towards more sustainable, durable materials. The company’s technology not only help both brands and tanneries meets regulatory and sustainability demands but also helps client tanneries improve profitability in a competitive market.
Investment Snapshot:
Qualus has previously secured £5.7m from angel rounds since successful spinout. There are two opportunities to participate depending on stage preference:
- Now: CLN Bridge Round: Target Amount £1.2 Convertible Loan Note (EIS Shares also available); over 50% already committed.
- Q2 ’25: Series A Round. Target amount £4m (EIS Qualifying).
For further information or to speak with Qualus directly contact Annika Borrmann at [email protected]
