Unveiling the Leather Industry: By-Products, Production Methods, Equipment, Regulatory & Safety Issues

Arpan Kumar

Arpan Kumar B.Tech., Motihari College of Engineering, Motihari, Bihar

Abstract

This article delves into the multifaceted world of the leather industry, exploring its intricate processes, by-products, production methodologies, and the equipment that shapes this ancient craft. Beginning with an examination of leather by-products, the journey unfolds from rawhide to finished leather, revealing the versatility of materials extracted at each stage. Tanning, the pivotal transformation process, takes center stage, with a focus on both traditional and eco-friendly methods. The article also sheds light on the equipment powering these processes, from tanning drums to finishing machinery. As the leather industry navigates the modern landscape, regulatory issues become paramount. Environmental concerns and chemical usage draw attention from regulatory bodies worldwide, prompting standards to ensure sustainable practices and the reduction of environmental impact. Simultaneously, safety issues within the industry, such as chemical exposure and machinery hazards, are addressed to safeguard the well-being of workers. In essence, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the leather industry, intertwining its rich history with contemporary challenges and innovations. Through understanding the intricate balance between production, regulation, and safety, stakeholders can contribute to shaping a responsible and sustainable future for this timeless craft.Top of Form

References

1. Nazer DW, Siebel MA. Reducing the environmental impact of the unhairing–liming process in the leather tanning industry. Journal of cleaner production. 2006 Jan 1;14(1):65-74.
2. Gard W. Rawhide Texas. University of Oklahoma Press; 2015.
3. El-Sayed H, Abou Taleb M, Mowafi S. Potential applications of textile wastes and by-products in preparation of textile auxiliaries. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. 2021 Aug 1;64(8):4433-47.
4. John Sundar V, Gnanamani A, Muralidharan C, Chandrababu NK, Mandal AB. Recovery and utilization of proteinous wastes of leather making: a review. Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology. 2011 Jun;10:151-63.
5. Sah N. Greener approach to leather techniques.
6. Pervaiz S, Mughal TA, Khan FZ. Leather dyeing with plants dyes: a review. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES). 2016;9(1):455-64.
7. Wallace EL. Leather Research and Technology at the National Bureau of Standards: A Review and Bibliography.
8. Thanikaivelan P, Rao JR, Nair BU, Ramasami T. Recent trends in leather making: processes, problems, and pathways. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology. 2005 Jan 1;35(1):37-79.
9. Sreeram KJ, Ramasami T. Sustaining tanning process through conservation, recovery and better utilization of chromium. Resources, conservation and recycling. 2003 Jun 1;38(3):185-212.
10. Khan FS, Mubarak NM, Tan YH, Khalid M, Karri RR, Walvekar R, Abdullah EC, Nizamuddin S, Mazari SA. A comprehensive review on magnetic carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube-based buckypaper for removal of heavy metals and dyes. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2021 Jul 5;413:125375.
11. Muthukrishnan L. Nanotechnology for cleaner leather production: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters. 2021 Jun;19(3):2527-49.
12. Navarro D, Wu J, Lin W, Fullana-i-Palmer P, Puig R. Life cycle assessment and leather production. Journal of Leather Science and Engineering. 2020 Dec;2:1-3.
13. Basak SR, Raihan I, Bhuiya AS. A study on occupational health and safety practices in Bangladeshi leather industry. Journal of Human Resource and Sustainability Studies. 2019 Jun 26;7(02):302.