Abstract

In this study, an integrated rechroming cum neutralisation and post tanning process has been designed to combat the pollution caused by tanning as well as to save resources. Studies on the integration of rechroming and neutralisation reveal that there is no physical deposition of chromium on the leathers at the selected chromium sulphate offer and pH. The process, especially when used for uppers, produces leathers which possess comparable strength and bulk properties to leathers from a conventional multi-step wet finishing process. In particular, the colour and fullness of the leathers are improved. The developed process leads to significant reduction in pollution loads, COD, TS and chromium loads are reduced by 28%, 34% and 72%, respectively. The quantity of water required is reduced to 5 l/Kg as against 18 l/Kg for processing shaved wet blue goat leathers. The process is shown to be techno-economically feasible.