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Natural leathers from natural materials: progressing toward a new arena in leather processing
Subramani Saravanabhavan1, Palanisamy Thanikaivelan, Jonnalagadda Raghava Rao
1Chemical Laboratory and Centre for Leather Apparels & Accessories Development, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600 020, India.
Environmental Science & Technology
|February 19, 2004
Summary
This study introduces an eco-friendly leather processing method using biocatalysts and vegetable tannins. The new process significantly reduces pollution and achieves leather quality comparable to conventional chrome-tanning, while being economically viable.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry
- Biocatalysis
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- The global leather industry faces stringent pollution and discharge regulations.
- Conventional leather processing contributes over 98% of the industry's total pollution load.
- Traditional methods involve harsh pH variations and generate significant chemical and metal waste.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cleaner, more sustainable leather processing method.
- To reduce the environmental impact of dehairing, tanning, and post-tanning processes.
- To assess the economic viability and performance of the eco-friendly process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized biocatalysts for hair and flesh removal and fiber opening at pH 8.0.
- Employed pickle-free natural tanning with vegetable tannins.
- Applied environmentally friendly chemicals for post-tanning treatments.
Main Results:
- Achieved comparable hair removal and fiber opening to conventional methods, confirmed by SEM and softness measurements.
- Produced leather with performance on par with conventionally chrome-tanned leather.
- Demonstrated zero chromium discharge and significant reductions in BOD (83%), COD (69%), TDS (96%), and TS (96%).
Conclusions:
- The developed process offers a sustainable alternative to conventional leather tanning.
- It meets environmental regulations by minimizing pollution and eliminating metal discharge.
- The process is economically viable and yields high-quality leather.