Greener Approach To Leather Techniques

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to find out greener and more ecological methods of leather tanning. In this thesis, old traditional methods and new developing methods are compared. New alternatives to chrome tanning agent and their benefits are reported. Additionally, efficient way of chrome tanning in presence of masking agents or other catalysts is reported with cleaning techniques using membrane processes such as micro-filtration, ultra-filtration (UF), nano-filtration (NF) and reverse osmosis are discussed.

The use of ultrasound in leather production has proved its significance by reducing time and increasing diffusion rate as well as improving leather quality. Eco-friendly approach to tanning process based on amino acids and aldehyde for chrome free tanning are discussed.