The quality of hides and skins is defined by organoleptic, microbiological, histological and chemical characteristics (i.e. moisture, structure of the dermis, percentage of fat and collagen). Each type of hide/skin has specific physical and chemical properties that affect the type of tanning operations and the most suitable end use of the leather.
DATA SOURCED FROM ESCO (EUROPEAN COMMISSION) & O*NET (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR)