On October 8, 2024, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) celebrated the 83rd Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The event witnessed prominent figures from the leather and industrial sectors, lauding the contributions of CSIR labs to national development.
Emphasis on Industry and R&D Collaboration
The Chief Guest for the event, Shri Arun Roy, IAS, Secretary of Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce, Tamil Nadu, highlighted the importance of enhancing R&D capabilities within industries.
He underscored the need for innovation in the manufacturing and service sectors, particularly within the footwear industry, where domestic technological advancements could lead to significant cost reductions.
Shri Abdul Wahab, Regional Chairman (South) of the Council for Leather Exports, praised CSIR-CLRI’s unwavering support for the leather sector, noting how the institute’s groundbreaking technologies have helped India establish itself as a global leader in the leather market.
Launch of the CLRI Leather Mark: A New Standard in Leather Quality
A key highlight of the celebration was the introduction of the CLRI Leather Mark by Dr. K J Sreeram.
This new certification aims to set a benchmark for leather quality, akin to the Hallmark for gold and the Silk Mark for silk.
The CLRI Leather Mark serves as a voluntary certification for tanners and leather product manufacturers who uphold the highest quality standards in their products.
By displaying the CLRI Leather Mark, businesses can offer consumers assurance of the superior quality and authenticity of their leather goods.
Each certified product will be accompanied by a QR code, allowing consumers instant access to information about the product’s raw material, type of leather, finish, and design.
This move is expected to foster transparency in the leather industry, empowering consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
“The CLRI Leather Mark is a landmark moment for the leather industry, signifying our dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability. We invite all tanners and manufacturers to join this initiative and be part of a trusted group committed to excellence.”
Dr. Sreeram, Director, CSIR-CLRI
Transforming Waste into Opportunity: Leather Industry Waste Turned Into High-Quality Yarn
A solution to the leather industry’s waste problem was also announced during the event. CSIR-CLRI has developed a process that repurposes leather waste into high-quality blended yarns.
Leather dust, a byproduct of the leather production process, is typically difficult to manage. However, CSIR-CLRI’s innovative approach blends leather dust with natural and synthetic fibers like cotton, bamboo, and polyester to produce yarn with high tenacity and smoothness, ideal for use in automatic looms.
The yarn, boasting a count greater than 10’S, is chemical-free and produced through a waterless process, making it an eco-friendly solution for developing value-added products.
K H Exports India Private Limited, a leader in the tanning and leather goods industry, has signed a technology licensing agreement with CSIR-CLRI to adopt this innovative process.
This collaboration underscores the leather industry’s shift towards sustainable practices and offers an effective solution for managing waste while contributing to the creation of high-quality products.
The event concluded with a heartfelt ceremony honoring the contributions of retired staff members, who were recognized with mementos for their years of service. Awards and certificates were also distributed to the winners of various competitions held for students, scholars, and staff.
The 83rd Foundation Day of CSIR-CLRI was a celebration of innovation and industry collaboration. From the launch of the CLRI Leather Mark, setting new standards in leather quality, to the introduction of eco-friendly yarn production from leather waste, CSIR-CLRI continues to lead the leather industry towards sustainable growth cementing its role as a global pioneer in leather research and development.
