Philippines government develops ‘greener’ degreasing - leatherbiz: Lea Leatherbiz

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Philippines government develops ‘greener’ degreasing agent

03/09/2012
The government of the Philippines is developing a degreasing agent that will enable small tanners to produce hides in a way that is more environmentally friendly and more readily accepted in overseas markets.

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) is overseeing a project that is creating a cheaper, biodegradable alternative to nonylphenol ethoxylate, a degreasing agent used in the tanning of pig skin, according to local reports.

Eduardo Torne, chief of the BAI-Animal Product Development Center, said in a statement: “There’s a problem on the acceptance of products in the European market. Even the US has also been looking for alternative degreasing agents.”

The BAR is developing a process that uses pig bile and paraffin.

“We are always interested in innovations because they generate jobs. This work of Animal Product Development Center is also a way for us to use raw materials that work in harmony with nature,” added Torne.

The Tanners Association of the Philippines has 51 members and the leathergoods industry employs around 40,000 workers, according to reports.



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