In an industry where tradition meets technology, innovation often hides behind closed factory doors. Yet every once in a while, something emerges that challenges the way tanneries think about production, performance & sustainability.
For decades, leather finishing has walked a tightrope. Tanneries have faced increasing pressure to reduce production time & costs, minimize chemical emissions, maintain consistent quality even with lower-grade hides and meet global sustainability standards without compromising overall performance and look and feel of the leather.
These challenges have made the finishing stage one of the most complex & critical parts of the entire leather-making process.
But here’s the truth, despite the best intentions, traditional finishing setups have not evolved fast enough.
Machines are rigid, chemical systems are difficult to standardize, & efficiency often comes at the cost.
In today’s fast-changing market, tanneries can no longer afford to choose between sustainability & performance. They need a system that delivers both seamlessly.
And that is exactly what Ascender offers, a machine technology jointly developed by im|innovating, Barnini & Stahl to re-engineer how leather is finished.
In simple words Ascender is built around the concept of printing on leather while the basecoat is still fresh using a recyclable protective foil.
This combination of advanced machinery and chemical formulation helps improve the overall leather quality, increase production efficiency and make the finishing process more sustainable.
Designed as an easy to use modular system, Ascender gives tanneries the flexibility to operate either as a standalone machine or integrated into existing finishing lines along with Roll-coating and spraying machines.
After Ascender, the leather can directly receive color coat and topcoat without piling, reducing manual handling.
What makes Ascender truly special is its unique approach to embossing. Instead of waiting for the basecoat to dry completely, the system embosses the leather while the basecoat is still fresh.
This small but powerful shift allows the machine to operate at lower temperatures, with lower pressure and at higher speed. The result is significant energy savings, excellent print retention and a remarkable ability to upgrade lower-grade leathers, even in the belly areas.
By achieving better cutting yield, tanneries can improve profitability while reducing waste, making the entire process more efficient and sustainable.
Available in three working widths of 1800 mm, 2600 mm and 3200 mm, allowing flexibility for various industry needs including large-scale automotive, sport shoes, and leather goods. It is suitable for the production of all kinds of leathers, including splits.
Ascender helps tanneries upgrade lower-quality hides into premium-grade leathers, unlocking both profitability & sustainability.
Among its most notable benefits is you can save up to 40% energy, reduce production time, use of 100% recyclable protective foil and significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.
“Ascender shows how innovation can drive both quality & sustainability — it’s not just a machine, it’s a smarter way to finish leather”
– Joep Nijkamp, Manager Ascender, im|innovating
Through this partnership im|innovating, Barnini, & Stahl are sending a clear message to the global tanning community, the future of leather finishing is modular, efficient & environmentally responsible.
A system like Ascender doesn’t just enhance production it redefines what’s possible in leather manufacturing.
For more information visit www.im-innovating.nl
