Abstract

Ecological pressures on chromium have forced the leather industry to look for alternatives. Chromium is indispensable to the industry for its properties but has environmental and health risks (e.g., links to cancer and cell death). Iron, despite its advantages (universality, low cost, lower toxicity), has been limited by hydrolysis, precipitation, and poor ageing characteristics. This article explores using a combination iron-chromium tanning agent with selected ligands to overcome these limitations. Tests show both metals are exhausted above 90%, shrinkage temperature exceeds 115°C, and negative attributes of iron tanning are overcome. The physical and chemical properties are enhanced, supporting the ‘chrome saver’ approach and promoting eco-friendly leather processing.