Lipases break down fat so it's easier to disperse. That results in a wide range of benefits in the final leather. Lipases also allow surfactant use to be reduced or even eliminated.

Degreasing ensures the removal of natural fats in hide​. That reduces the risk of fatty spews in the resulting leather. ​

A range of circumstances affect fat levels. These include animal health, nutrition, environment and stress levels. All this makes fat a highly variable component. That variability, along with fat's rapid deposition and mobilization, makes it a challenge for tanneries. 

Triglycerides are a key component of body fat. They're made up of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules. The molecules are held together by three ester bonds. Lipases break these bonds to form one glycerol molecule and three individual fatty acid molecules.  That makes the fats much easier to disperse, making degreasing more even.  

Lipases can be used to disperse natural fat in all stages of leather production. These include soaking, liming/bating, pickling, wetblue, or natural crust/dyed crust. Because lipases can't degrade protein, they have many potential benefits and no risks. They can help tanneries reduce or even eliminate the need for surfactants and solvents in degreasing. Lipases also lead to more uniform dyeing and dye uptake and improve the leather's finish. They deliver a lower fogging-value and improve production of waterproof leathers. With lipases nubucks have a silkier touch.  In wool and sheepskin production, lipases may make dry cleaning unnecessary.  

Tanneries can incorporate lipases to their process by pre-running the lipase, then adding the tenside. Non-ionic tensides are suitable for use with lipases