Oral · Pages 266–275
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
The Circular Economy principles are well integrated with leather production processes and with the current direction that tanning chain is following, that is becoming even more strategic as a model of development for sustainable growth; today the tanning sector has an impacting role as part of the Bioeconomy scenario, indeed. On the other hand, the production of solid tanning waste is a critical issue to be addressed as a new strategic challenge, aimed at fostering the transformation of the international economy in a greener, more resilient and circular system. These wastes can represent a great opportunity for the development of new products and applications in different fi elds, however their valorisation can be affected by some critical issues, mainly connected to the presence of chemical components deriving from the production process (metal iones and/or organic tanning agents, biocides, synthetic polymers, etc.), that currently limits the possible use of wastes in some applications. This work aims, on the one hand, to minimize the use of traditional chemicals in the production process and, on the other hand, to use sustainable biotechnological approaches for the use of wastes in the production of new generations of bio-based circular materials. Two main biotechnological approaches were particularly considered; one which involves the selection and use of enzymatic systems for obtaining collagen hydrolysates with high added value, for its use both in the tanning process, as fi ller and as fi nishing agent, than in the production of novel bioinks in 3D printing technologies. In this approach, ad hoc enzymes were selected for the treatment of trimming and shaving of wet-white wastes, derived from different tanning systems; another approach involved the use of symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeasts for the production of a cellulose fi lm and its use in the creation of bio-based fi nishing layers. Both approaches provide important tools to produce new generation of circular and sustainable materials.