The UK’s BLC Leather Technology Centre has been awarded two government grants to carry out research into biofuel production from leather waste. 

Funded through the £20 million ($37 million) DTI Renewable Energy Programme, the projects will investigate the production of liquid transport fuels from solid waste generated during the leather manufacturing process.  Renewable energy comes from continuously available sources, which do not rely on exhaustible fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.  The projects support the UK Government’s commitment to renewable energy targets as outlined in its Energy white paper.  The research programme, which will involve collaboration with the UK tanning sector, will aim to demonstrate the commercial production and application of the fuels within two years. 

Two new senior appointments have also been made at BLC Leather Technology Centre. Dr Andrew Hudson has been appointed Technical Manager and Dr Amanda Long, Special Projects Manager.  Dr Hudson’s role will involve the management of the testing and leather based research and development activities carried out at BLC while Dr Long will co-ordinate external publications and seminars and manage commercial aspects of the research activities. Currently Chair of the following committees: IUC, CEN/TC289/WG2/TG1 and SLTC technical subcommittee Dr Long will also take a leading role in the management of standards on behalf of the leather industry.

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