Wasserglass in leather production

摘要

The main objective of this project—funded by the CRAFT programme of the EC—was to develop findings from a previous investigation on the application of Wasserglass. In the study, procedures for pelt treatment with Wasserglass to enable shaving in the stabilised state were developed further, together with the utilisation of the resultant shavings. The new EU directive on waste disposal (effective with spring 2004) limits the organic content of wastes to 5%. If this limit is exceeded,a thermal treatment has to be carried out prior to disposal. Alternative uses for wet white and wet blue shavings are limited, however the (nearly) native shavings from Wasserglass applications should help to overcome disposal problems by presenting new opportunities for utilisation. Further investigations have also led to the substitution of lime Ca(OH)_2 within the 'liming' and unhairing process.