When it comes to preserving leather for use, salt isn’t just a common commodity, it’s an essential ingredient. Without this fundamental component there would be no leather or leather goods, this means no bags, no leather interiors in cars, no leather jackets and much more. Many industries would be impacted by the lack of sustainable leather production and preservation. Whether you’re a tanner, processor, or supplier, selecting the right industrial salt for tanning is the first step in protecting your raw material investment.

But not all salts are created equal.

Purity:

Well preserved hide and high purity salt go hand in hand. One is not without the other. Using pure dried vacuum salt is the recipe for success for a well-preserved hide or skin. It is a high purity option used for it’s consistent 99.9% Sodium Chloride (NaCl) content. Produced via evaporation, PDV remains free from contamination or other insoluble matter or particles. Using a high purity salt means better bacterial inhibition and less residue on hides. This allows for cleaner storage, fewer complications, and less environmental impact.

At Peacock Salt, we offer high-grade PDV salt tailored for industrial use, including hide preservation.

Grain Size:

Just as important as purity is grain size. Salt comes in a variety of grain sizes and can be considered to be coarse or fine depending on what millimetre the salt is. Coarse grained salts are traditionally used for hide salting as they ensure better flow and coverage during application. However, inconsistent grain size can lead to patchy preservation. Too fine of a salt and can lead to the salt caking or clumping together leading to ineffectiveness. The optimal grain size is between 1-3mm for skin contact and absorption.   

Moisture Content:

Moisture is a killer when it comes to tanning leather. It can severely impact the storage and useability of both components. High moisture levels can also lead to salt clumping. To avoid this, salt should be kept airtight if possible and away from damp conditions as it is hydrophilic.

Boric Acid

In certain regions and applications, hides are preserved using salt blended with boric acid. This additive enhances antibacterial properties and offers extra protection during longer storage or transport. Tanneries that specialise in critical hide types such as calfskin or other delicate leathers will use boric acid to maintain quality. By adding boric acid, it can ensure all bacterial or microbes will not survive even the ones that may survive the high purity salt.

Shop our range of bag and bulk Boric Acid here

If you’re in the business of tanning or processing hides, your choice of salt directly impacts product quality and profitability. PDV salt, combined with proper grain size, low moisture content, and optional boric acid additives, offers a reliable, professional-grade solution.

At Peacock Salt, we supply high-purity PDV salt and boric acid in bag and bulk quantities designed to meet the needs of the leather industry.

Need help choosing the right product for your operation? Get in touch with our sales team we’re happy to advise on our product range.