Iron tannage: an alternative chrome-free tanning system

摘要

Due to ecotoxicological reasons and the growing need for recyclability, todays classical tanning systems are under a close review. While chrome tannage, particularly in the automotive industry, is under discussion for problems regarding legislation, recycling and waste management, other reagents such as aluminum salts and glutaraldehyde are toxic in their own right. Tannage using vegetable extracts and synthetic tanning agents works well for a limited set of articles, such as belt, bag and sole leathers. However, for lightweight leathers, such as garment and upholstery, it is generally more expensive and aesthetically not always acceptable.