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.
Funding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
NN2 7AL Northampton
United Kingdom
Participants (4)
08700 Igualada
2630 Taastrup
08500 Vic
80143 Napoli