At Simac Tanning Tech, Gemata and Costa unveiled a pair of groundbreaking systems: the Multi ffreenfinish, with working widths of 1800, 2200, and 2600mm, and the Full ffreenfinish, boasting an impressive 3400mm width. These innovations solidify the two brands’ positions as leaders in both the Italian and international markets
The dynamic duo, exhibiting together for the second consecutive year at Simac Tanning Tech in Milan, once again proved a winning combination. Within Gemata’s spacious and elegant booth, the Costa Impianti brand was prominently featured. Gemata, a Trissino (Vicenza)-based company and a global leader in the production of leather and regenerated leather finishing systems, acquired a majority stake in Montebello Vicentino- based Costa Impianti in 2023. Both companies are located in the renowned Arzignano district.
“At this year’s fair,” stated Gianni Maitan, Gemata’s president, “we showcased Gemata’s Multi Greenfinish system and Costa’s Full Greenfinish system. Due to the impracticality of exhibiting these massive production lines, which range from 20 to 60 meters in length, we utilized videos, panels, and brochures to provide detailed explanations of each system. Gemata’s Multi Greenfinish is a cutting-edge finishing line employing release paper technology. Building on the expertise acquired through the sale of over 50 Greenfinish systems worldwide, it can accommodate hides up to 2500mm wide and produce a variety of grains, including those larger than traditional printed patterns. The Multi Greenfinish system offers exceptional versatility. It utilizes release paper for refining sheep, goat, and calf hides destined for leather goods and footwear, creating exquisite satin, nubuck, and fine nappa-like finishes. Additionally, it employs chrome-plated steel embossing rollers, protected by a thin film, to generate larger grains, such as saffiano and dollar, even on substantial hides like whole calves. The embossing rollers ensure a crisp, uniform impression across the entire hide at low temperatures and pressures.
With Gemata systems, there is a gain in footage of 1.5-2.5% compared to traditional finishing. This is achieved by keeping the hide adhered to the release paper or protective film throughout the low-temperature drying process, which prevents shrinkage. Both the Greenfinish and Multi Greenfinish lines are environmentally friendly, consuming minimal energy. They operate exclusively with roller machines, eliminating the need for sprays, and the used film is fully recyclable. Furthermore, these systems are adaptable for finishing regenerated leather and other synthetic materials, catering to the growing market demand for these sustainable alternatives.”
The primary focus of attention, however, from both industry professionals and visitors alike, was on the Full Greenfinish system, patented by Costa Impianti. This groundbreaking technology refines whole bovine hides intended for automotive upholstery and furniture at low pressure and low temperature using traditional embossing rollers sheathed in a thin film. “This system,” Maitan explained, “is currently operating 16 hours a day at a rate of 14 meters per minute in a leading Arzignano tannery specializing in automotive leather. The concept originated with release paper technology, which allows for a consistent grain across the entire hide while preserving its natural softness. However, conventional release paper finishing systems were limited to processing half hides for footwear, leather goods and steering wheels due to the restricted width of commercially available release paper typically not exceeding 1.6 meters, with some exceptions reaching 2.1 meters. Costa’s system, currently the only one of its kind worldwide, overcomes this limitation, enabling us to process whole bovine hides for furniture and automotive applications, with widths up to 3.4 meters. The Full Greenfinish guarantees exceptional quality while minimizing energy consumption and keeping production and operational costs low. Another significant advantage for automotive leather finishing is that the film protects the hide’s surface from dust contamination throughout the entire process. This highly efficient and ecological process, born from the extensive expertise of Gemata and Costa Impianti in leather finishing, ensures hides of superior quality with minimal environmental impact, effectively eliminating atmospheric emissions.”
The systems showcased by Gemata and Costa generated significant buzz throughout the three-day exhibition, with numerous clients scheduling appointments to experience the new technology firsthand at Gemata’s laboratory. “We’ve already begun production on a Full Greenfinish 3400 line, which will be installed at our Trissino facility by the end of January,” Gemata’s president concluded. “This will allow clients to conduct trials using their own embossing rollers on whole hides for furniture and automotive upholstery.”

Gianni Maitan
