An Environmentally Friendly Mineral-Free Tanning of Animal Skins – Sustainable Approach with Plant Resources

Abstract

An eco-friendly mineral-free process for tanning has been developed in the present investigation, which is based on replenishable plant resources. Significant reduction in total dissolved solids and chlorides compared to conventional tanning method was observed in the new process. Tara and jatropha seed oil were employed for tanning of animal skins. The thermal and morphological characteristics, resistance to fungal and organoleptic properties of the tanned leathers were analyzed by using shrinkage, differential scanning calorimetric and thermo-mechanical analysis techniques. It has been proved that the properties of the tanned leathers are better than that of conventional vegetable tanned and comparable to chrome tanned leathers. The cross section of fibre structure indicates uniform structure and fibre bundles seem to be less dispersed when analyzed through scanning electron microscope. The tanned leathers exhibited better physico-chemical and organoleptic properties. The new tanning system also exhibited cost advantages due to reduction in chemicals consumption and savings due to reduced effluent treatment costs. The developed tanning process reduces the generation of toxic waste compared to mineral tannages, which reduces the environmental impacts. Hence, this techno-commercial study provided a viable and versatile solution for mineral-free tanning for commercially sustainable processing through cleaner process options.