OSMO HTF, Arzignano-based group, bringing together two brands, is acknowledged as an international reference points for environmental sustainability and is getting ready to face the post Covid-19 market challenges
Two companies – OSMO founded in 2006 and HTF in 2012 – that, over the years, have become a point of reference in the leather sector in Italy and on a global scale. A successful story: based in Arzignano (Vicenza province), the OSMO-HTF group is specialized in the manufacturing and sale of technical chemicals and dyestuffs for the tanning sector, yet its strategic role goes well beyond the entrepreneurial and production contexts. As a matter of fact, it is an enterprise that is steadily evolving, on the lookout for the perfect combination between qualified human resources (fairly young and motivated), technologies and processes aimed at keeping up the pace with the new global economy to avoid losing competitiveness. OSMO focuses on the early stages, from raw materials, namely freshly skinned hides, up to dyed crust, thanks to its wellestablished experience in the dyestuff sector. HTF was established six years after so as to complete the range of services, since it deals with the final phase of the processing cycle, that is, finishing, thus resulting in high-quality products.
The Veneto-based group has often managed to keep a step ahead of competition when it comes to market challenges.: for example, biodegradable products’ first studies and field trials date back to six years ago and were launched on the market shortly after.
From the left: Giampaolo Arnelli, Ludovico Massignan, Fabrizio Nicoletti e Andrea Piazza
Metal-free has now become a priority: from your vantage point, what can you tell us about this? “Our first studies and experiments began in 2014 and, after a few years, we already kicked off production with a range of articles that, over time, has become larger and more comprehensive. We started focusing on this issue very early, we were among the very first. There is no doubt whatsoever that this is a successful system, so much so that several companies have chosen to pursue this strategy, even though nearly all the metal-free products manufactured by the competitors are still in their early stages. To prepare a sample is a completely different matter compared to actually manufacture an ample range articles, while guaranteeing a finished product featuring the same, if not even better, performances as chrometanned leathers. We belong to the second category. The discriminating factor lies in markedly improving quality and the dyeing capacity compared to chrome. The market has become more and more demanding: at the end of the day, customers can’t settle for metal-free, low quality hides. They have higher expectations.”
You were also among the forerunners in the field of biodegradable products… “For OSMO-HTF, this represents another flagship: we have managed to develop a whole range of products, aiming at safeguarding the environment. The biodegradable solutions are part of the COSMOWHITE brand line: in addition to the lack of metals, there is a demand for total sustainability and, bearing that in mind, we have conceived articles featuring these characteristics. Said products allow to achieve an average biodegradability rate amounting to 92%, without emissions of toxic substances, for leathers at the end of their life cycle. In other words, we can say that, in their end-of-life phase, these hides are fully sustainable, suitable for the animal industry as well. And, if used correctly, they actually go back to their origin source, the ground.”
What are the other strengths you rely on for a fresh start in 2021? “We have developed specific and technologically advanced solutions conceived to enhance leather yield, that can be used not only in the automotive sector, but also in other areas, such as lightweight footwear and linings. According to our studies, these products, still without a specific name, can result in a significant increase, up to 50%, in the chance of a tear. A remarkable feat, in line with the customers’ demands for reliable solutions. There is no magic formula, it is simply a system designed to enhance leather yield, featuring a specific development concerning tearing and the related performances. These products can be used with very thin and lightweight hides, with clothing items, shoes and leather goods.”
Group-wise, what kind of business strategy have you pursued over the past decade and a half? “Since its establishment, OSMOHTF has been steadily focusing on sustainability, a choice fully supported by the group. This pivotal issue is one of the core values pursued by our corporate philosophy, as confirmed by the constant commitment in terms of in-house recycling, a decision made back when the firm was founded, and by the implementation of a huge photovoltaic system, that ensures 35 kW worth of power. Environmental sustainability is a matter that involves not only the protagonists, that is, the employees, but also the whole processing cycle, ranging from manufacturing operations to the use of low-impact products. The final result allows us to provide the clientele with cutting-edge, eco-friendly chemicals and dyestuffs, nobody can deny this.”
What is your current market situation? “Our company is renowned both in Italy and internationally. Lately, we have been focusing more and more on the automotive sector, a different strategy compared to the past. Now, we are steadily increasing this market segment, since it is a pivotal industry for both the Arzignano tanning district, the world’s most prominent leather cluster, and for the one based in Santa Croce sull’Arno. We keep a close eye on all markets, paying close attention to the leatherware, footwear and car bodywork sectors, whereas, as far as the furnishing industry is concerned, we have been dealing with a high-end target. Regardless of the end sector, we use specific products, all tested and patented.”
What does your business plan entail? “Further development is expected both domestically and abroad. Our sales network encompasses many countries, a large part of Europe, but also other continents. In 2020, exports experienced a slowdown caused by the health emergency, due mainly to travel restrictions and to the difficulties concerning the organization of international trade fairs. However, this year, we aim at enhancing exports as well, gaining a strong foothold in other areas and finding new customers: as we all know, the markets featuring the most interesting development opportunities are the East, especially China, Indonesia and Bangladesh, and, as far as South America is concerned, Brazil.”
www.osmo.it
www.htfsrl.it