Fulfilling the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Bio degradable Leather
Biodegradation – organic materials or substances decomposed by micro-organisms into simpler components such as carbon dioxide, water, and ammonia
Any leather can be composted but the speed of degradation and environmental impact depends on the tanning chemistry used
Sustainable Leather
Leather which are tanned without the use of harmful chemicals so as to minimize the environmental impact.
Sustainability depends on
Resources used (hides/skins, chemicals, water, energy)
Hides/Skins–Fresh /Salted, Origin
Chemicals – Toxicity, Environmental impact
Energy – Renewable or not
Emissions into the environment (gaseous, liquid and solid waste)
Quality and appeal of the final product and durability
Eco-friendly Leather
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Leathers tanned without the use of chromium, heavy metals, formaldehyde, short-chain chlorinated paraffin, VOC or alkyl phenol ethoxylates
Not determined only by the chemicals used but also the environmental impact of leather occurs in the manufacturing process.
All types of leathers depends on the resources used , process followed, environmental impact and durability of the product
BIOPOLYMERS
Derived from living organisms, such as plants and microbes
Renewable and sustainable resources
Low environmental footprints
Toxic Non Immunogenic Carcinogenic
Carbon neutral
Bio degradable
CLASSIFICATION OF BIOPOLYMERS
POLYMER vs BIOPOLYMER
BIOPOLYMER ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
These polymers are carbon neutral and can always be renewed.
Reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and also decrease carbon emissions.
These polymers are compostable which means there is less chance of environmental pollution.
These chemical compounds reduce dependency on non-renewable fossil fuels.
Easily biodegradable and can decrease air pollution.
It greatly reduces the harmful effect of plastic use on the environment.
Why Biopolymer in Leather?
To meet the demand for eco-friendly and renewable biopolymers with high retanning and fatliquoring characteristics
To replace the hazardous and petro-based chemicals without altering the leather quality
To enhance the recovery and reuse of bio derived wastes and by-products from leather and agro-industrial sector
CRITERIA FOR BIO LEATHER
LEATHER PRODUCTION
1. Types and quantities of chemicals with complete traceability throughout the production chains (tannins, dyes, binders, pigments, oils and much more).
2. Resource conservation, sustainability
3. Handling of production waste including re-use.
4. Treatment of polluted sewage.
5. Work safety
6. Social standards and remuneration
The sum of the factors to consider is very long and whether any leather deserves the title of "bio-leather" - or not - should only be decided by the customer
What is the future of biopolymers?
Much required in the future as they are solution to green and sustainable environment
They are biodegradable, renewable and their production emits fewer greenhouse gases
Reduce people dependence on fossil fuels
Slowly replacing the conventional polymers
Used in various industries such as medical, electronic, agriculture, leather, automotive etc.
It is projected that biodegradable biopolymers will constitute a larger percentage of biopolymer production
