Innovative Approach to Sustainable Leather Tanning Process using a Lactic Acid Based Agent

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate selected properties of leather samples treated with innovative lactic acid-based agents, applied during the soaking process. The quality of leathers soaked in the baths containing agents based on the organic lactic acid was compared to the products obtained by traditional tanning, in which surfactants were used during the leather soaking process. The obtained results showed that the hides soaked using the eco-compound met the same quality requirements as those soaked in traditional surfactants. The study has proven that the surfactants, which are universally applied during the traditional leather tanning technology, can be replaced with an environmentally friendly agent which effectively reduces effluent pollution as well as its quantity. The proposed method has been successfully tested by one of the largest tanneries in Poland and is in the process of implementation, thus becoming an ecotechnology.