Tannery today

The Kero tannery in Sattajärvi, Pajala, is the world’s northernmost tannery specialising in reindeer skin. The tannery is today owned and run by Kero Leather AB. 

Two main types of tanning are used, vegetable tannage and mineral tannage, depending on the end use of the leather or skin. Vegetable-tanned leather is used for shoes, bags and other products where dense and solid leather is required. It is the most eco-friendly option as no chrome is used. Mineral tanning makes the leather softer and more resilient, and is therefore suitable for clothing.