Dry pre-tanned intermediaries: a step towards sustainable leather manufacturing

摘要

New legislation in Europe states that by the middle of 2005 chrome shavings and other organic wastes can no longer be dumped in landfill sites. Already faced with numerous chemical restrictions for about two decades, the avoidance of many substances and the need for advancing testing requirements have become an important facet in the production of quality leathers. More important than the obligations imposed from the steadily growing list of "harmful substances" and the tightening limits affecting all forms of waste, is the impact of these issues on an increasingly globalised leather market. Any restriction and change in established production standards is a burden for the industry. This has to be shouldered by present business, but scope for the future has to be seen from a different perspective. With regard to long-term opportunities, the demand for more environmentally friendly and sustainable processes can be seen as a chance for growth rather than a threat.