Abstract

We propose a new leather dyeing process using a solvent medium. The choice of the principal factors, nature of the solvent, the dyes and degree of hydration of the leather must be carefully chosen so as to reach the required equilibrium. Due to the absence of an aqueous phase at the end of the operation and because of the opportunity to regenerate the solvent, all pollutant wastes are avoided. The method has been extended to cover a wide range of apolar organic solvents that are easier to recycle than water, the classic leather dyeing medium.