GREAT GREENLAND FURHOUSE

Great Greenland is the only tannery in the country, operating on a service contract with the government. Specialising in sealskin, the company's activities are divided between the purchase of the skins throughout the country, tanning, production and then resale, mainly in Denmark (this is actually more a form of subsidy since the state resells at a loss) but also on the spot with a shop where top-of-the-range clothing and fashion accessories are sold (gloves, scarf, hats, jacket, bag...). It exports DKK 1.5 million worth of furs a year. While the import has been illegal in the United States since 1972 due to a law categorically prohibiting trade in all marine mammal products, the European Parliament has allowed limited trade in seals for Greenlanders in the European zone (for more details, see the CITES table in Part XXX). Good to know for the most skeptical: seals are not endangered, and especially seal pups are not killed in Greenland. Sealers kill seals with the utmost respect. Moreover, this trade allows a large part of the population to subsist financially but also to maintain its culture. It is possible to visit the factory by booking directly with the company or via tour operators: visits are by reservation with Sagalands. The tour lasts one hour. You can also buy a coat at the store.