Abstract

In a previous paper a Low Salt Preservation (LSP) method of preserving New Zealand and Australian sheepskins was described and compared to the existing High Salt Preservation (HSP) method. The HSP method uses large amounts of sodium chloride plus combinations of biocides which are not registered in REACH regulations. In the previous trial1 the Australian skins were stacked flat with wool side against pelt side which caused some mildew to develop in the wool. In this trial using LSP, the skins were stacked in the conventional manner by folding down the back bone, flank to flank with the wool side out. The LSP process used 73% less salt than HSP and uses additives widely used in the food and beverage industries. No wool slip was found in the LSP preserved skins compared to 5% wool slip in the HSP skins and no mildewed areas were found in the LSP skins. These results confirm the efficacy of the LSP process. When finished as rugs there was more ʻwool tip colourʼ on some LSP skins compared to HSP. If the wool tip is removed by shearing the underlying wool colour is the same for both LSP and HSP.