Oral · Pages 141–149
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
A ground-breaking, bio-circular tanning technology was developed with the aim to obtain leathers free from metals, aldehydes and other hazardous substances. These formulations start with nature using plant-based tannins, such as PEFC certifi ed chestnut and quebracho, tara and gallnuts which are combined with man-made biopolymers and synthetic tannins used as retanning agents. The leathers can be fatliquored and fi nished in various ways to obtain a wide range of items, from leather goods to footwear, furniture and automotive, starting from a variety of hides. The result is an entirely new technology safe for humans and the environment. This tanning system allows to obtain leathers with high bio-based carbon and low bisphenol content, while achieving a high exhaustion percentage of tanning agents, dyes and fatliquors in the residual processing baths through recycling, and thereby a low COD value and a high biodegradability of wastewaters. Thanks to the use of natural performing tannins, the leathers are tear-resistant- with a high light and heat fastness, exhibiting, at the same time, an excellent touch & feel. At the end of their life cycle, leathers and leather scraps can be recycled and transformed into bio-fertilisers for organic farming, feeding the planet in a truly sustainable way. To put this process in practice, a new shoe concept was developed: the fi rst 100% shreddable sneaker fi t for rebirth. Designed in layers and without internal stitches, this zero- waste shoe is totally free from fi llers, plastics or any other synthetic polymers, thus proving a safe, clean and healthy solution for consumers. It returns to nature in form of fertiliser, giving back resources the company initially took “on loan”.