Södra is expanding its portfolio of forest-based innovations with the industrial production of tannin—a natural compound extracted from tree bark—at its Värö facility in Sweden.
The move supports the company's push toward fossil-free solutions and opens the door for new partnerships in the development of sustainable alternatives across industries.
The new tannin line will produce a plant-based tanning agent intended primarily for leather processing, offering an eco-friendly substitute to traditional fossil-based chemicals. The facility will be capable of producing enough tannin to treat millions of square metres of leather annually.
“Now is the time to unite and maximise the potential of every tree,” said Viktor Odenbrink, Sales Director for Södra Bioproducts. “Together, we can develop fossil-free products and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
While bark-based tanning is not new, Södra is scaling the process to an industrial level and inviting partners to explore further applications. The company sees potential uses in adhesives, biochemicals, and other fields where tannins’ antioxidant and crosslinking properties can offer a sustainable edge.
Södra, Sweden’s largest forest-owner association, represents over 50,000 members and manages its forests sustainably. Its focus remains on maximizing the value of every tree while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy through innovative bioproducts.
