CLRI explores bio-based leather processing
The Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), based in Chennai, India, is looking at ways of avoiding heavy dependence on polluting chemical processes by pursuing bio-based leather processing technology. As a result, the institute hopes to reduce the leather sector’s environmental impact.
"CLRI's thrust this year will be on identifying more green processes," recently appointed CLRI director, Prof Dr A B Mandal, said at the World Intellectual Property Day on April 27. He added that the institute is exploring processes that will help to reduce carbon emissions, including generating bio fuel from products such as vegetable oil and rice bran.
"We are adapting bio processes in many fields, including using jatrpoa oil for tanning applications," said CLRI scientist Subhendu Chakrabarti. Mr Chakrabarti explains that the use of chemicals used during leather processing leads to chemical effluents such as calcium oxide, calcium chloride and sulphates, which are pollutants.
The CLRI claims that bio-based leather processing will reduce effluents. However, it points out that the difficulty here will be developing products that will fulfil the different needs of tanneries, PVC plants, caustic soda plants and dye plants in a commercially viable way. The technology has to be commercially viable," said C G Sethuram, a chemical engineer.
