Salt-free tanning for the production of high-tech uppeleather for military boots

Objective

This project will focus on the practical assessment of alternative high ph" no- pickle" tanning processes. Aiming the eventual reduction of salt consunption and total dissolved solids (tds) concentration levels in tannery effluent. In particular, testing and optimisation of "no-pickle/no-deliming" chrome-alum tanning systems, as well as the development of an innovative "no-pickle" organic tanning process, for the production of upper leather for military boots manufacture will be undertaken. Currently available options for meeting thee fluent quality standards are restricted in replacement raw stock preservation systems and salt reduced use and recycling (tds reduction 20-30%). On the other hand, the viability of a prototype combined high-ph tanning system is far from being established as a best available cleaner technique for the commercial production of full and corrected grain upper leather with sufficient hydrothermal stability and hydrophobic character.

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-1. - Key Action Innovative Products, Processes and Organisation

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (1)