Download PDF Sales Sheet It is easy being green with Ecco-La, Cortina's 100% biodegradable cowhide imported from Italy. What makes Ecco-La environmentally sound is that it is chrome-free. Until now, chrome substitutes have not succeeded in producing hides with the same luxurious feel and saturation of color. Now, cutting-edge technology has led to the introduction of Ecco-La, hides that are superlative in grain retention, responsiveness to climate and brilliance of color. Ecco-La has all necessary protections, so it can be used in any setting. Ecco-La has been tested and approved by the Leather Research Laboratory at the University of Cincinnati.