There are six major steppe/plains that cover the majority of the quality lambskins:
1. Hulunbeier
2. Xilin Gol
3. Horqin
4. Wulanchabu
5. Erdos
6. Urad
The aforementioned areas, at their peak, can hold over 100 million lamb and sheep in total, each with their distinct characteristics.
There are two main methods of farming in these areas, the most natural and most desirable one is raised through free range grazing. The second is farmed within feedlots, where animals are kept indoors and fed with a combination of grass and grains. This method can protect the animals from weather and natural blemishes from roaming the landscape. As can be seen in the map provided by Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group, the dark green areas highlight the regions where lambs are typically raised by field herding, and the light green regions highlight areas where the lambs are raised through a mix of field herding and indoor feedlots.
Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group has invested heavily in this area by setting up 12 collection stations spread strategically throughout Inner Mongolia, to ensure that the highest quality lambskins can be secured all year round. This area can produce an extremely high volume of lamb and sheepskin, but only a very small percentage can meet the standards of Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group. The highest quality skins are only available during the summer months, which is the reason why Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group has channeled such huge efforts into this region.
Why is the quality so high here?
Looking at the region, it is somewhat underdeveloped in comparison to the rest of China. Most of this region sits one kilometre above sea level and presents a variety of landscapes, including plateau, mountains, hills, plains, deserts, rivers and lakes. Being the third largest province in China, it has a population of 25 million people, mostly concentrated on its largest city Hohhot. The uniqueness of the landscapes and scattered population has made commercialisation very difficult in this area. However, this has left the magnificent natural scenery untouched, thus preserving the heritage of the ubiquitous farming culture. This combination of minimal human interference and the purity of Mongolian lamb breeds have created something that leather makers have never seen before – a quality of leather that can surpass the Entrefino breed in Spain.
Why has this breed of lamb not been discussed in the past?
This is a question that is asked very often: If the quality is so good why was it not made available earlier? In fact, Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group has known about this since 2005. There was never any question over the quality of the skins; the issue was how to get a stable supply at the quality that the customers demand. As mentioned above, the underdeveloped commercial systems did not allow for a stable supply, from farming to the abattoirs it was always a luck of the draw. However, what has changed in the last 10 years is the emphasis that the Chinese government has placed on developing this region’s farming and agriculture infrastructure. Where in the past many farmers were selling to many abattoirs, now there are highly specialised farmers with all the correct vetting and traceability certifications selling to large abattoirs that can treat the animals with standardised procedures, thus ensuring that the meat and skins are supplied in a professional manner. Furthermore, Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group played a major role in setting the foundation for skins to be properly handled from the abattoirs. This combination of efforts has made it possible to have a reliable and smooth supply chain.
For Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group traceability is a key pillar for its success and future growth, and Inner Mongolia is no different. The connection between the farmers and abattoirs are outlined below:
• Stage One for traceability of the material begins at the farms where the animals are raised and fed.
• Stage Two is where the animals are moved to the abattoirs for slaughtering.
• Stage Three is focused on the processes of salting, curing and packing in our facilities.
• Stage Four is the delivery to its tannery for production.
Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group’s partners are all processing through facilities that are newly built to a European standard. Traceability of the animals is possible due to these modern abattoirs. As the breeds of lamb in this region can vary, the abattoirs have to first identify the farm of which the animal has come from and then they are processed in batches, to ensure the same origins are kept together. These skins are delivered directly to Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group’s collection sites, where they are further processed for transportation back to the tannery.
Leather quality superior than Spanish lamb Entrefino
To ensure that the high quality of the Inner Mongolian Lambskins is maintained, the skins are processed in batches, just as the abattoirs have processed them in batches. Throughout the production process in the beamhouse, strict quality control is placed on all processes. According to Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group, these standards of control are the only way to ensure a quality that is even better than the European Entrefino Lamb.
Colomer Munmany provides full product traceability, ICEC and LWG certification.
Products are either in wet-blue or pickle, commercialised in Europe via its modern facilities in Les Masies de Voltregà, Spain. The Group provides LWG standards, before grading and prompt delivery.
Why are these skins so precious for premium handbag and shoes brands?
Mongolian Skins are used for high quality materials. They are characteristic for their fine grain, compact structure, softness, comfort, natural look and touch. Its ecological meaning and its origin chain traceability are really appreciated for the luxury sector. Soft and comfortable boots and sneakers and pure aniline leather goods and bags are made with Mongolian lambskins. The green vast grasslands of Mongolia are the habitat and origin of this gorgeous quality; there the lambs grow free and healthy and they are kept in the best conditions. Brands also appreciate its easy supply chain traceability and its ecological function as a recycled byproduct of the food sector.
*This is an advertorial feature provided by Henan Prosper and Colomer Munmany Group.
