ISA TanTec has announced the death of its Founder and Chairman Thomas Schneider.
Thomas Schneider passed away at the age of 70 on January 18th at 11:20 pm in a German hospital due to complications following a car accident.
The company said the loss is deeply felt across ISA and the wider leather and footwear industry. Schneider was known as a fearless entrepreneur and a long term visionary who helped build ISA into a global name.
Under his leadership ISA expanded manufacturing across continents. In March 2015 ISA began production at Mississippi TanTec in the USA operating from a 150,000 SF facility spread across 52 acres of land.
ISA TanTec is owned by a group of German investors who believed in Schneider’s idea of producing top quality eco friendly leather for a global market.
Schneider also pushed hard for environmental responsibility. ISA’s LITE technology which stands for Low Impact To the Environment reduced electricity use by 30% water use by 50% and cut CO2 emissions by 35%.
In a rare move for the industry ISA introduced an Environmental Impact Guide showing the environmental profile of every leather offered helping buyers make eco friendly choices.
Beyond business Schneider was remembered as a person who always showed up for others especially those in need. The company thanked colleagues partners and friends for their support over many years.
The industry has lost a leader but Thomas Schneider’s vision values and impact will continue to guide ISA for years to come.
