Tanners pouring money down the drain? Heidemann lecture highlights collagen potential
At the 38th IULTCS International Congress in Lyon, Dr Dietrich Tegtmeyer delivered the prestigious Heidemann Lecture, warning that tanners could be missing a major opportunity to increase both profit and sustainability by underutilising collagen.
He highlighted that while leather production focuses on cleaner methods and wastewater management, much of the collagen in hides ends up as waste. Dr Tegtmeyer urged the industry to adopt a zero-waste mindset, transforming by-products such as fleshings and shavings into valuable materials for animal feed, fertilisers, gelatine, and high-tech applications like 3D printing.
He stressed that tanneries should see themselves as collagen manufacturers, not just leather producers, and explore the full potential of this versatile biomolecule.
You can read the full article about the Heidemann lecture in the upcoming issue of World Leather magazine.
