Green leather is in this season

Tanning is a complex chemical process used to transform perishable raw hides and skins into durable leather. Unfortunately, as a result, high levels of pollution are released into the water. Raghava Rao and his team at the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Adyar have modified the process to make it into an eco-friendly, cost-efficient method.

The researchers found that simply reversing the order of the tanning and post-tanning steps can drastically improve the process. By also promoting non-chemical-based pre-tanning methods, they have reduced the amount chemicals released by 82% and made an energy saving of nearly 40% (Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, doi: 10.1002/jctb.1727).

According to Rao, “The significance is tremendous in the context of environmental challenges being faced by the leather industry”. Most importantly, no loss of the leather quality was observed when compared with conventional tanning methods.

A full copy of the C&I article and original research paper is available:

Contact: Lisa Richards, SCI Press Office on Tel: +44(0)207 5981548 Mob: +44(0)7791 688784 or Email: press@soci.org

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Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

About the Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

The Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology (JCTB) is an international peer-reviewed journal concerned with the application of scientific discoveries and advancements in chemical and biological technology that aim towards economically sustainable industrial production or are necessary for environmental protection. JCTB focuses on the interfaces between chemical technology and biotechnology, especially where these impact on health and safety and the environment.

JCTB is an SCI journal, published by John Wiley & Sons, on behalf of the Society of Chemical Industry, and is available in print (ISSN: 0268-2575) and online (ISSN: 1097-4660) via Wiley InterScience http://www.interscience.wiley.com

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