Pine Tannin Extraction from Residues of Pine Forest Exploitation

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to use the vegetable extract obtained from the residues of pine forest exploitation as a source of tannins that, acting both as a tanning and retanning agent, can replace other vegetable extracts and chrome in leather tanning. The study thus proposes a bio resource more sustainable to use in tanning process that avoids the use of chemical products that are detrimental to our health and can have an impact on the biodegradable nature of the final tanned leather. Furthermore, in addition to the benefits of using a new, fully biodegradable tanning material (Biodegradability of vegetable tanned leather is poor than chrome tanned leather), this is a locally sourced product, which allows the carbon footprint to be notably reduced (Vegetable tanning contributes more carbon foot print than chrome tanning). Additionally, it should be possible to add value to forestry residues over a short period of time, which would undoubtedly contribute to improving forest management in Spain and would also be beneficial in many ways.