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.

Programme(s)

• FP3-ENV 1C - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of the environment, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

• 0202 - Technologies for protecting and rehabilitating the environment

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (4)