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Reversing the conventional leather processing sequence for cleaner leather production.
Subramani Saravanabhavan1, Palanisamy Thanikaivelan, Jonnalagadda Raghava Rao
1Chemical Laboratory, Centre for Leather Apparels & Accessories Development, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600 020, India.
Environmental Science & Technology
|March 3, 2006
Summary
This study reversed conventional leather processing steps, significantly reducing pollution, water usage, and chemical consumption. The new eco-friendly method yields leather quality comparable to traditional processing.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Environmental Engineering
Background:
- Conventional leather processing involves 14-15 steps, generating substantial pollutants due to a "do-undo" process logic.
- This method results in significant environmental discharge, including chemicals and wastewater.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an environmentally sustainable leather processing method by reversing conventional steps.
- To reduce the environmental impact and resource consumption of leather production.
Main Methods:
- Reversing the conventional leather processing sequence by utilizing skin matrix charges and chemical/pH profiles.
- Validating the reversed process through analyses like chromium content, shrinkage temperature, softness, SEM, and physical testing.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) by 53% and Total Solids (TS) by 79%.
- Reduced water consumption and discharge by 65% and 64%, respectively.
- Comparable leather quality to conventionally processed leathers, with reduced chemical, time, power, and cost.
Conclusions:
- The reversed process offers a sustainable alternative to conventional leather processing.
- This innovative approach significantly mitigates environmental pollution and resource depletion in leather manufacturing.
- The developed method demonstrates economic viability and maintains high leather performance standards.