A fresh push for a cleaner leather industry is gaining attention in Ethiopia. CSIR-CLRI along with MIDI-LLPIRDC and UNIDO spent 2 days showing tanneries how waste can turn into something valuable instead of harming the environment.
Around 35 people from different tanneries joined the program held on 4 and 5 December 2025 in Ethiopia.
Day one focused on hair waste utilization. A new pilot facility was unveiled and demonstration on how hair waste can be transformed into keratin hydrolysate for agricultural use. Instead of dumping waste it can now support farming.
The second day took on fleshing waste utilization. Where participants witnessed the creation of useful by-products like lime sludge and organic hydrolysate.
“Together we are paving the way for a greener more efficient leather industry”
– CSIR-CLRI
The event also included short lessons from CLRI specialists who explained how these technologies work. At the end everyone received certificates for taking part.
A team of scientists from CSIR-CLRI also met India’s Ambassador in Ethiopia on 27 November 2025. They briefed H E Shri Anil Kumar Rai Ambassador of India to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to African Union on strong progress in joint leather projects.
This effort shows how the leather sector can protect the environment while also saving money by reusing what was once waste.
Related News
Inside Ethiopia’s Green Tannery Initiative Led by CLRI and LLPIRC Driving Sustainable Leather Manufacturing
