Abstract: A reconstituted-leather-manufacturing process includes a progressively increasing application of pressure to an aqueous leather solution to form a web of leather fibers. The solution/web may be dewatered to an extent before the first application of a pressure so that the solution/web consistency is on the order 29-55% (fiber to web/solution, by weight) when the first pressure of the progressive sequence of pressures is applied. Tannin (and various chemicals) may be added to the solution. The progressive pressing of the solution/web may be followed by a progressive drying of the web by application of a sequence of increasing temperatures via drying vessels.