Salt-free tanning system developed by CLRI
14 June 2012The Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR – CLRI) in Chennai have developed a ‘salt free tanning technology’ which completely eliminates pickling and basification using conventional tanning salts without use of any new chemicals.
The process has been successfully commercialised in select tanneries of Tamil Nadu. The technology has eliminated salinity problems associated with tanning. The technology is based on regulated hydrolysis of chromium tanning salts with in-situ neutralisation of the acid generated. The technology is being adopted continuously by select tanners and more than 10 million sq ft of leather have been processed using the innovation.
The CLRI team has received a ‘Green Technology Award’ from AISHTMA, National Tanners Apex Body and ‘CSIR Technology Award for Innovation’. The technology has been licensed to tanneries in Saudi Arabia, Qatar (upcoming tannery) and Kenya apart from India. UNIDO have also shown keen interest in disseminating this technology in tanneries across the sector.
