Lingin-based leather chemicals show promise Smit & zoon says
28/09/2017
Lignin is a natural cross-linked polyphenol derived from biomass that is formed in the cell walls of wood or agricultural crops and plants providing structural strength. It constitutes about 20%-35% of the mass of every tree or plant and is the most abundant natural aromatic resource. As a by-product from the pulp and paper industry, lignin is currently mainly burned to generate energy.
The patent describes the smart utilisation of industrial lignin to mix with phenol in the production of otherwise 100% petro-based polyphenolic retanning chemicals. Part of the phenol in the products is replaced by lignin during the chemical conversion process.
Research and development scientist Dr Yujie Ma and product technologist Petra Berends from Smit & zoon’s research department have led research into using lignin in retanning agents. “First trials show a great outcome on leather,” Dr Ma has said. “The lignin-based products bring fullness and softness and result in an equal and intense dye.”
The company says it has a wider aim to increase the bio-based content and the degree of biodegradability in its leather chemical portfolio, in keeping with its ambition to play a catalysing role in making the leather value chain sustainable by 2025.
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