Every material is selected based on its properties, functionality, visual expression and the purpose the product is designed to fulfil. Material selection must also meet our requirements for quality, construction, durability, as well as current European and Danish legislation.

Thoughtful design also requires an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of each material. This applies whether we are selecting an existing leather quality or developing new materials in close collaboration with our Portuguese tannery and manufacturing partner. Design, materials and construction are developed together, ensuring that quality, functionality and longevity work in harmony.

Leather is Hymness' specialty and remains our primary material, but it does not define or limit our approach. Material selection is always guided by the product's purpose, intended use and the expression we want to create.

From the very beginning, Hymness has been committed to reducing the use of unnecessary chemicals in the materials we choose. While our vision has remained the same, the opportunities have evolved alongside new technologies, greater availability and the right partnerships.

Today, this means we actively work with Chrome-Free Bio Leather, while continuing to use carefully selected existing leather qualities whenever they meet our standards for quality, functionality and durability. For us, progress is not about replacing what already works well—it is about continuously making better and more informed material choices.

Whenever we develop new products or introduce new leather qualities, one principle remains unchanged: they must support the Hymness vision of exceptional quality, long-lasting durability and more responsible tanning methods.

Why is Chrome-Free Bio-Leather an Important Choice for Hymness?

Chrome-Free Bio Leather is developed without the use of chromium or other heavy metals during the tanning process. For Hymness, it represents a conscious material choice where quality, functionality and more responsible production methods go hand in hand.

For many years, we have worked purposefully to reduce the use of unnecessary chemicals in the materials we select. Chrome-Free Bio Leather is a natural step in that journey and reflects the direction Hymness has pursued since our very first collections.

Our Chrome-Free Bio Leather is developed in collaboration with a specialised Portuguese tannery and selected because it meets our standards for quality, functionality, durability and the expression we want our products to convey.

At Hymness, we collaborate with carefully selected tanneries and manufacturing partners in Portugal, each with many years of experience in quality leather, craftsmanship and technical product development.

Over the past decades, Portugal has developed into one of Europe’s leading countries for quality leather, specialised tanneries and the production of premium leather goods. Although Italian leather remains the most familiar reference for many consumers, Portuguese leather production is today recognised by designers, manufacturers and industry professionals for the same high standard. The combination of strong craftsmanship traditions, modern product development and a growing focus on responsible materials and production methods has made Portugal a preferred manufacturing country for many international premium and luxury brands.

For Hymness, it makes sense to work closely with the people who develop and produce the materials. Direct dialogue with the tannery and manufacturer gives us a deeper understanding of the leather’s characteristics and makes it possible to evaluate materials, construction and finish as one connected whole. We therefore look not only at how a leather looks, but also at how it performs in production, how it develops through use, and how it supports the product’s function, construction and expected longevity.

We believe quality is created throughout the entire value chain. A quality leather is never evaluated by one classification or tanning method alone, but by the relationship between raw material, tannery expertise, product development, laboratory testing, construction and the experience the material provides over time.

At the same time, production within the EU means that both materials and finished products must comply with current European legislation and documented requirements for chemical handling, product safety and quality control. This creates a strong foundation for the material choices we make at Hymness.

The leather qualities we work with undergo a series of quality tests at our partner tannery in Portugal, where properties such as abrasion resistance, flexibility, colour fastness and colour transfer are documented as part of the ongoing quality control process.

Laboratory testing is only one part of our overall evaluation. Test results are combined with technical expertise, product development and practical experience to ensure that every material meets our standards for quality, functionality and durability.

Our goal is to select materials that not only perform well in the laboratory, but also perform exceptionally in everyday use and develop character beautifully over time.