The extraction and profile of Mimosa Nigel Payne, Forestal Mimosa and Nigel Dunning, Mimosa Central Co-op, South Africa

摘要

Although vegetable extract usage in leather manufacture has declined over the years, mainly due to the fall-off in demand for heavy veg leather, there is still a substantial use of the three main extracts, Mimosa (or Wattle/Acacia), Quebracho and Chestnut. Also, because of its good light fastness properties, Tara is experiencing an increase in demand for automotive upholstery leather. Strap and case leather tanned with vegetable extracts remains buoyant, and vegetable retanning of chrome leather has gained in importance with the swing to more 'natural' leathers. Mimosa extract is derived from the bark of the Black Wattle tree (Acacia mearnsii), a species of Acacia native to Australia. The species was introduced to South Africa about 125 years ago, initially by farmers as wind breaks and for shade protection for farm animals from the harsh African sun. Later, it was discovered that the bark contained high levels of tannin, which could be used for treating hides for leather production. This led to the tree being widely planted to produce tanning extract for the leather industry.