Vacuum-assisted chrome tanning: a sustainable approach to reducing environmental load in leather processing
Bildiriler > Özet Bildiri · 2025
Yazarlar: Abdurrahman Akay, Bahri BAŞARAN, Kuntay Birinc Berslan, Al Mizan
8th International Congress on Innovative Aspects For Leather Industry, Türkiye, İzmir, Uluslararası, Sözlü Sunum, Özet Bildiri, 2025-2025, ss 17-17
Özet
<p>Leather tanning is one of the oldest industries and remains among the most polluting sectors worldwide.</p><p>The extensive use of chemicals during collagen modification generates large volumes of wastewater,</p><p>contributing to a significant environmental burden. To address these challenges, this study developed a</p><p>novel vacuum-assisted chrome tanning method aimed at reducing pollution loads and water</p><p>consumption in leather processing. Sheepskins were tanned under controlled vacuum pressures ranging</p><p>from -0.4 to -0.8 atm, and the resulting leathers and wastewaters were evaluated for their chemical,</p><p>environmental, and physical properties. The discharged effluents were analyzed for key parameters,</p><p>including chromic oxide (Cr2O3), total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total</p><p>Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and electrical conductivity (EC), to assess pollution levels relative to</p><p>conventional chrome tanning. Results demonstrated notable reductions in Cr2O3 (67%), COD (33%),</p><p>TKN (29%), and EC (36%) in the wastewater, highlighting the environmental advantages of the vacuum</p><p>tanning method. Traditionally, the conventional chrome-tanning process requires approximately 8%</p><p>basic chromium sulfate (BCS) to achieve the desired leather quality. In contrast, this study found that</p><p>applying only 5% BCS under -0.8 atm vacuum conditions produced leather with comparable physical</p><p>and organoleptic properties. The optimized process not only enhanced chromium uptake in the skin but</p><p>also lowered wastewater treatment costs, reduced BCS consumption, and minimized ecological impacts.</p><p>In a nutshell, the findings demonstrate that vacuum-assisted chrome tanning offers a promising result to</p><p>conventional methods, combining reduced environmental load with high-quality leather production. The</p><p>study underscores the potential of this technology to promote sustainable leather manufacturing while</p><p>addressing global concerns regarding pollution control and resource efficiency.</p>