REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL EMISSIONS IN TANNERIES

ABSTRACT

Tanning, in particular chrome leather production, is still characterised by an inefficient use of raw material and the production of highly polluted wastewater and solid wastes. A part of the emissions can be prevented by introducing clean tanning technologies, the remaining emissions can be treated. Clean production technologies and waste (water) treatment technologies should have a designed complimentarity. Anaerobic wastewater treatment with recovery of sulfides, sulfur and energy (biogas) is a cornerstone in such integral clean chrome leather technology.

Keywords:

• Tanneries
• Leather
• Chrome
• Sulfide
• Emissions
• Wastewater

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank Cai Li, Gao Zhongbai, Shao Yilong and many other members of the project team within the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture. Henan Shoes City Leather Industrial Products Co Ltd is gratefully acknowledged for the assistance at the site. The work was made possible by a grant from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.