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Investigation into the reduction of solvent/lipid waste from the degreasing of sheepskins

Objective

- To eliminate the use of solvents for degreasing sheepskins, by introducing a efficacious and environmentally acceptable aqueous system for the removal of grease from skin.

- To minimise the amount of native fat discharged to the effluent by using novel processes to enable recovery of the grease.


A structured programme of fundamental research will be undertaken to satisfy these research objectives. This will be split into four phases.

Phase 1 : The application of surfactants for degreasing.
Phase 2 : The application of enzymes to degrade lipid and surfactant substrates.
Phase 3 : Definition and testing of optimum processes.
Phase 4 : Assessment of environmental benefits of adopted clean technologies.

The expected achievements of such a programme of research will be to :

* Improve product quality through improved grease removal.
* Eliminate the emission of VOC's.
* Ensure residual grease does not reach the waste stream but is recovered as a commodity product with a market value.
* Develop the understanding of enzyme technology, specifically lipases, for the benefic of the sheepskin industry.
* Determine the efficacy of new biosurfactants and subsequent surfactant removal from waste streams.

Call for proposal

Data not available

Coordinator

BLC LEATHERSELLERS RESEARCH CENTRE LTD
Address
University College, Northampton, Park Campus, Boug
NN2 7AL Northampton
United Kingdom

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Participants (4)

ASOCIACION DE INVESTIGACION DE LAS INDUSTRIAS DEL CURTIDO Y ANEXAS
Spain
Address
78,avenida Pla. De La Massa S/n
08700 Igualada

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DANISH TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Denmark
Address
Gregersensvej
2630 Taastrup

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Grupo Industrial Colomer SA
Spain
Address

08500 Vic

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STAZIONE SPERIMENTALE PER L'INDUSTRIA DELLE PELLI E DELLE MATERIE CONCIANTI
Italy
Address
Via Poggioreale 39
80143 Napoli

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