Dehumidifier for the Leather & Footwear Industry: A Comprehensive Solution from Production to Storage

A shipping container of exported shoes is returned due to mold. A batch of high-end products receives customer complaints for glue failure and separated soles. These are the nightmares that no leather and footwear business wants to face. The main culprit? UNCONTROLLED HUMIDITY. In this highly competitive industry, humidity control is not just an option; it is a vital factor in protecting product quality and brand reputation.

This article will provide a detailed analysis of the impact of humidity at each stage and introduce a comprehensive technology solution from DeAir.

1. Humidity - The "Hidden Enemy" of the Leather and Footwear Industry

With the natural hygroscopic properties of leather, fabric, and adhesives, the high humidity in Vietnam's production and storage environments causes a series of serious problems:

• Material Degradation: Leather can become stiff, crack, or discolor; suede can become matted; and fabric linings can develop yellow stains.
• Adhesive Failure: High humidity slows the curing process of adhesives (especially water-based ones), reducing their bonding strength and leading to critical failures like sole separation and delamination.
• Mold Growth: This is a major aesthetic issue that causes unpleasant odors and is a primary reason for the rejection of export orders, leading to significant financial losses.
• Corrosion of Metal Accessories: Metal parts like hooks, buckles, and eyelets can rust, diminishing the product's value and premium feel.

2. Comprehensive Humidity Control Solutions for Each Stage

To ensure consistent quality, every stage in the leather and footwear production and storage chain requires strict humidity control. DeAir provides specialized solutions for each phase:

2.1. Stage 1: Raw Material Warehouse (Leather, Fabric, Adhesives...)

The Challenge: Leather, fabric, and other raw materials are highly hygroscopic. If stored in a humid environment, their properties can change, causing difficulties in cutting, sewing, and gluing.

DeAir's Solution: Use a DeAir.RE Industrial Dehumidifier to maintain the warehouse humidity at the standard level. According to technical recommendations, a leather storage area needs to be maintained at just 35% RH to ensure the best material quality.

2.2. Stage 2: Gluing and Sole Pressing Area

The Challenge: This is an extremely sensitive stage. High humidity is the number one cause of sole separation. Adhesives require a dry environment to achieve maximum bonding strength.

DeAir's Solution: It is necessary to create an area with tightly controlled humidity. According to standards, a rubber cementing area needs to maintain humidity between just 25-35% RH. A high-capacity dehumidifier or a Dezenno Rotor Dehumidifier (if ultra-low humidity is required) is mandatory for this stage to ensure the quality of the bond.

2.3. Stage 3: Finished Goods Warehouse & Export Packaging

The Challenge: This is the final but most critical stage. Finished shoes must be stored in an absolutely dry environment to prevent mold growth during long-term storage and transportation (especially by sea).

DeAir's Solution: Install a DeAir.RE industrial dehumidification system in the finished goods warehouse to ensure the humidity is always stable below 60% RH. This creates a strong protective barrier for the products before they reach the customer, ensuring every pair of shoes leaves the factory maintaining its perfect shape and quality.

3. DeAir - The Trusted Partner for Humidity Control Solutions in the Footwear Industry

• Practical Experience: DeAir has extensive experience in providing solutions for the garment and footwear industries, sectors with similar stringent humidity control requirements.
• Diverse Product Range: We offer a full range of machines to meet the needs of every stage, from basic to advanced, from small capacities to large systems.
• Professional Services: From site surveys and consultations to installation and maintenance, DeAir partners with businesses to ensure the system operates effectively and optimally.