Oral
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
The biodegradability of leather is gaining increasing attention in the context of sustainable material development, particularly regarding environmental compatibility and circularity. However, the actual extent and rate of degradation of leather are significantly influenced by the type of chemicals used in its manufacture. This study investigates the role of retanning agents—a factor not yet thoroughly explored—in influencing the compostability of leather. By applying various retanning chemicals to a standardized chrome-free pre-tanned substrate, we evaluated composting behavior of such leathers. Results reveal that certain retanning systems significantly alter the disintegration profile and compostability of leathers, offering a potential pathway to optimizing biodegradability in leather production