In a significant step toward sustainability in the leather industry, the CSIR – Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) has successfully introduced a series of innovative cleaner technologies to tanneries in the Jajmau Leather Cluster in Kanpur.
The demonstrations, held from August 12th to 17th, 2024, were part of a project sponsored by WWF India, aiming to address the pressing environmental challenges faced by the leather industry.
One of the standout technologies presented by CSIR-CLRI is the enzyme-based unhairing process. This method offers a sustainable alternative to traditional sulphide-based unhairing techniques, which are known to have significant environmental impacts.
By eliminating the use of sulphides, the enzyme-based approach not only reduces the emission of harmful chemicals into the environment but also enhances the overall efficiency of the leather processing. This advancement could set a new standard for the industry, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Another critical innovation demonstrated was the reuse of liming wastewater. Traditional leather processing methods often result in large quantities of wastewater, which, if not treated properly, can cause severe environmental damage.
CSIR-CLRI’s technology enables the recycling of this wastewater within the tannery itself, drastically reducing the volume of water discharged into the environment.
This not only minimizes the ecological footprint of leather processing but also conserves water, a vital resource in the context of growing global water scarcity.
CSIR-CLRI also showcased its Direct Chrome Liquor Recycling (DCLR) technology, a breakthrough in managing chromium—a key component in the tanning process. Chromium is often found in tannery wastewater, posing a significant environmental hazard.
However, with DCLR, the chromium present in the wastewater can be efficiently repurposed, reducing the need for fresh chromium inputs and cutting down on waste. This technology promises to make leather tanning not only more sustainable but also more cost-effective by recovering valuable resources.
The introduction of these technologies is a major step forward for the leather industry, particularly for tanneries in Kanpur, which have been grappling with environmental compliance issues. The demonstration was attended by representatives from WWF India and local tanners, who witnessed firsthand the potential of these innovations to transform the industry. Dr. Sundarapandiyan, a Senior Scientist at CSIR-CLRI, led the demonstration, emphasizing the long-term benefits of adopting these cleaner technologies.
