Manufacturers of Premium Quality Leather Care
The story of COLLONIL is a true Berlin story. The foundation of the company´s success began in two small rooms in the Köpenicker Straße in Berlin in 1909.
After the business started to flourish, all three founders – Karl Esslen and the Salzenbrodt-brothers expanded the company and moved into a location situated in the Schlesische Straße 12. They moved once again in 1921, this time to Mühlenbeck which was in the Eastern part of Berlin and about 5 kilometres away.
After World War II, the Salzenbrodt-brothers decided to relocate to the Western part of Berlin because economic success there was a lot more promising for creative businessmen like them. The Esslen family did not follow the Salzenbrodt-brothers and so Collonil became a true family business which was transformed to become Salzenbrodt GmbH & Co. KG.
The head office of the company was then established in Wittenau, near Berlin, on a 14.000 m² factory site. Until today, this is where the company´s headquarters and the production facilities are situated.
Although COLLONIL products are distributed internationally to more than 80 countries, COLLONIL attaches great importance to the fact that, even after over 100 years of business, their products are “Made in Germany” – a feature that stands for the products´ highest quality standards and reliability. Comprehensive research, scientific expertise, utilisation of cutting-edge technologies and high quality raw materials are just some of the features that make COLLONIL stand out.
Collonil Carbon Lab for Sneakers range
“Where are the ground-breaking shoe care products for the sneaker scene?”
wondered Hikmet Sugoer, leading authority on sneakers and founder of Solebox and the Sonra sneaker brand
Hikmet was not satisfied with the products on offer in sneaker stores and was on the lookout for a manufacturer that puts its smartest thinkers to work not only in marketing, but in product development as well.
And he found: Collonil.
A long-established Berlin company, we have been setting standards in shoe care since 1909. Our research and development department has come up with innovative developments that have taken the industry by storm, such as the first shoe care sprays, application sponges for shoe polish, waterproofing sprays with high-tech ingredients, and even care products based on organic raw materials.
Hikmet’s wealth of experience in developing and marketing sneakers, his insider knowledge of the sneaker community, and Collonil’s expertise in developing shoe care and leather care products were the ingredients for our collaboration on a new sneaker care range that includes everything you need to waterproof, clean and care for your sports shoes.
For Hikmet Sugoer, it is about more than this: “This is not just about a major player tapping into a new market segment. It is about truly understanding the market niche and supporting the community with the best products possible.” Hikmet’s statement struck a real chord with us and sums up our approach to product development. Two Berlin icons have found their perfect match and are now blazing a common trail in sneaker care.