Controlling Temperature and Humidity Has a Direct Impact on Profitability
Among manufacturing sectors, few are as sensitive to climate variations as the leather industry. Positioned between artisanal craftsmanship and industrial production, this sector relies on a precise balance between temperature, humidity levels, and air quality. In a recent project led by AirGreen in a leather manufacturing plant in Laval, we demonstrated why a customized, high-performance, and precisely calibrated HVAC system can be the dividing line between profitability and irreversible losses.
Context: A Leather Processing Plant at Risk Due to Production Defects
The management of a high-end bag and belt manufacturer contacted us after noticing recurring issues:
-
Premature cracking in some dried hides
-
High rejection rates due to elasticity defects
-
Uneven folds during molding and sewing of final products
Our audit quickly identified the source of the problem: an inadequate ventilation setup combined with an outdated forced-air heating system lacking proper controls, causing heat spikes and overly dry air during the most critical leather processing phases.
Technical Diagnosis and Custom Correction Plan
Initial State of the Facility
-
Total surface area: 1,500 m²
-
Critical zone: drying and shaping workshop
-
Previous system: gas-powered central heating + unregulated wall-mounted ventilation
-
Average humidity during production periods: 23% (too low for leather)
Objective: Restore Optimal Thermal and Hygrometric Balance
Our engineers proposed an integrated solution combining wall-mounted heat pumps with precise humidity control, paired with a mechanical ventilation system (HRV) featuring heat recovery.
Installation Carried Out by AirGreen in Laval
Installed Equipment
-
4 Fujitsu KZAH wall-mounted heat pumps – 12,000 BTU each
-
A centralized Honeywell humidity management system
-
Venmar Commercial X24 dual-flow HRV with enthalpy exchanger
-
Smart CO₂ + humidity sensors connected to a remote monitoring platform
Project Phases
-
Thermal simulation of the workshops to model heat effects on leather
-
Calculation of required air exchange rate to preserve proper humidity
-
3-day installation without interrupting production, done section by section
-
System calibration, maintaining between 45% and 55% relative humidity across all sensitive zones
Measured Results Post-Installation
-
68% reduction in rejection rate related to elasticity issues
-
Extended drying time with no loss in quality
-
Improved employee comfort and fewer seasonal sick days
-
Confirmed eligibility for a $12,000 subsidy through LogisVert
Testimonial from the Production Manager
“We knew our HVAC system had limitations, but we didn’t realize how much it was costing us. Thanks to AirGreen’s intervention, we’ve regained control of our production environment, and the results speak for themselves. Every hide is now treated under ideal conditions.”
— Marc D., Production Manager, Leather Plant in Laval
Why HVAC Control Is Critical in the Leather Industry
1. Stable Humidity Preserves Raw Materials
Leather is a living material, vulnerable to both dry and excessively humid air. A relative humidity of 45% to 55% is ideal to:
-
Maintain suppleness and texture
-
Prevent cracking or staining
-
Make molding and bonding easier
2. Controlled Temperature Reduces Thermal Losses
Excessive or uneven heat distribution creates hot and cold zones, which negatively affect:
-
The drying phase (too fast = cracking)
-
The adhesives used for assembly
-
The durability of dyes and finishes
3. Air Quality Impacts Worker Health and Product Finish
Dust, solvents, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) common in these workshops require controlled air renewal to:
-
Reduce respiratory illnesses
-
Prevent residues on finished products
-
Comply with workplace safety standards (CNESST)
AirGreen Expertise: A Precision Approach Tailored to Each Industry
We adapt every HVAC installation to real-world operational needs:
-
In-depth analysis of production workflows and critical zones
-
Equipment selection compatible with the processed materials
-
Integration of smart technologies for remote management
-
Local presence across North Shore, South Shore, Montréal, Laval, and Longueuil for fast support
Conclusion: Precision HVAC Control as an Economic Lever
In the leather industry, every uncontrolled thermal or humidity variation can translate into tangible losses. At AirGreen, we turn environmental constraints into operational advantages by ensuring a stable, intelligent, and cost-effective HVAC environment.