Abstract

Developed under the CRAFT programme, the Wasserglass project aims at the optimization and transfer of the procedure promoting Wasserglass (soluble alkali silicates) for the shaving and liming processes in leather production.

A previous project was supported under the Environment Programme of FP4. The objective of the previous project was described as follows:

The objective of the project is to use wasserglass in leather production to reduce tannery waste. Pelts are stabilised with soluble alkali silicates (i.e. Wasserglass) in order to prepare them for shaving. After washing, shaved pelts can be tanned in any required way. The resulting shavings show excellent digestibility and, therefore, will be easy to utilise. Preliminary results showed good shaving properties and satisfying leather quality was obtained for most leather types (shoe, upper, garment, fancy, upholstery and automotive leather). A better exhaustion of tanning and other auxiliaries as well as a reduction of the effluent discharge (especially SS and TDS) has been observed. In a follow-up-project, these phenomena should be quantified as well as utilisation methods for the resulting native shavings should be developed.

These would be the objectives of the present project.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Herbert ERNEKL / Lederfabrik Vogl Gmbh & Co Kg AUSTRIA

Participant

• Karl Heinz MUNZ / Advanced Federal Teaching and Testing Institute for Chemical Industry / AUSTRIA
• Pio GAGLIARDI / Hamana Spa ITALY
• Mario DI STEFANO / Industria Conciaria Nobel Spa ITALY
• Karl HEINEN / Lederfabrik Josef Heinen Gmbh & Co. Kg Tannery Department / GERMANY
• Heinz-Peter GERMANN / Lederinstitut Gerberschule Reutlingen E.V. Research and Development Department / GERMANY
• Ruffo GROSSI / Stazione Sperimentale per L'industria delle Pelli e delle Materie Concianti / ITALY