Development of Eco-friendly Combination Tanning System for the Manufacture of Upper Leathers

Abstract

More than 90% of global leather production is through chrome-tanning process currently. The conventional methods employed for tanning lead to significant material loss and serious environmental concern. The chromium salt tanning system is under continuous pressure from environmental groups and international regulations. In this study, combination tanning process based on garad–oxazolidine tannage for the production of upper leathers is presented. Garad powder (Acacia nilotica spp nilotica pods) has been utilized in the combination tanning system with oxazolidine. It has been observed that garad-oxazolidine combination tanning employing 20% garad powder and 4% oxazolidine provides a shrinkage temperature of 102°C.