As the demand for our product has grown, so has our commitment to meeting the highest standards possible for leather quality and value, through continued research and development, greater automation, better process controls and ongoing staff training.

Packer Leather is continually setting the pace in product innovation, working hand-in-hand with our customers to produce custom made solutions for their specific leather needs.

Our commitment to the future extends beyond the factory, with major research and investment going into the long-term sustainable resource management of our raw materials.

The Packer Leather laboratory was initially set up in 1990. Since then it has grown in both size and specialist equipment, offering a sophisticated Quality Assurance tool for the tannery and its customers. In addition, it serves as a prime resource for verifying data whilst conducting research and development projects.

Leathers are tested for various technical properties such as strength, water resistance, colour fastness, moisture management, and other physical and chemical properties relating to the specifications for each product. European (CEN and BS), American (AATCC) and International (ISO) test methods are used. Tests required by customers that cannot be completed in house are sent to accredited test houses around the globe.

The laboratory also plays an integral role where collaborative work between the tannery and customers need a specific test method designed to test for a particular property. A recent example of this collaboration has been with the Australian Defence Force in regards to the new Defender Mk I leather for their infantry combat footwear.

Competitive analysis is another key aspect that is required by all businesses. The laboratory offers the technical staff at Packer Leather a comprehensive reporting system of test results for components in articles such as gloves and footwear, whether leather, textile, synthetics, etc. This allows specific and rapid response times to supply suitable alternative products, or to provide comments on non-leather materials used.