Wet Blue Storage is the stage where graded tanned hides are sorted, stored, and managed for future use or distribution. This step ensures the integrity of the leather while optimizing inventory for different product lines and markets.

Once the hides have been tanned and graded, they are referred to as "wet blue" due to their bluish hue, a result of chrome tanning. At this point, the hides are categorized into different grades—typically from Grade 1 to Grade 4—based on surface quality, thickness, and uniformity. Each grade corresponds to a specific level of quality, which in turn determines the type of leather goods the hide will be used for. Grade 1 hides are used for premium products such as luxury footwear, bags, and garments, while lower grades are directed toward industrial uses or products where appearance is not the primary concern.

To maintain their quality and prevent bacterial degradation, wet blue hides are stored in climate-controlled environments with carefully regulated humidity and temperature. These storage conditions preserve the leather’s structure and flexibility, making sure the material remains in optimal condition until it is issued for further processing, splitting, or dyeing. Hides are tagged and organized according to grade, making it easy to match them with specific customer or production requirements.

Not all hides meet the minimum standard for commercial use. Skins that are deemed unsuitable due to excessive defects or inconsistencies are classified as rejected grade. These rejected wet blue hides are not wasted—they are typically sold in the local market at lower prices. This not only helps recover some of the processing cost but also supports small-scale industries that may use these materials for low-cost leather goods or experimental work.

Key highlights of the wet blue storage process include:

• Storage of tanned hides based on grading from No. 1 to 4
• Preservation in controlled environments to maintain quality and flexibility
• Efficient tagging and sorting for easy inventory management
• Issuance of hides based on suitability for different product applications
• Sale of rejected-grade wet blue hides in the local market to reduce waste