Eco-Friendly Alternatives in Leather Production: Performance of Biodegradable Alginate-Based Retanned Leather Compared to Conventional Leathers and Plant-Based Materials
Source abstract
Abstract
This study explores the development and characterization of biodegradable leather using alginate derivatives as sustainable tanning agents, aiming to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional leather tanning processes. Alginate, a natural polysaccharide derived from brown algae, was modified through ultrasound treatment to reduce viscosity and improve its application in leather tanning. This study investigated the use of sodium alginates as bio-based retanning agents, comparing their performance against that of conventional chromium-tanned and vegetable-tanned leathers, as well as synthetic alternatives such as leatherette, Piñatex®, and Desserto®. The physical, chemical, and thermal properties of the resulting leathers were assessed. The results demonstrated that alginate-based tanning agents could produce leather with comparable or superior properties to conventional and synthetic leathers, meeting the quality standards required for high-end footwear and leather goods. This research highlights the potential of alginate derivatives to serve as eco-friendly alternatives in the leather industry. The findings underscore the feasibility of integrating bio-based materials into industrial applications, promoting environmental conservation and resource efficiency.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Collagen: Extraction and Characterization · Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging · biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, Research Institute for Leather and Footwear (INCDTP-ICPI), Ion Minulescu Str. 93, 031215 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National University of Science and Technology Politechnic Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Indipendentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Leather Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Ege University, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Türkiye
A3 Leather Innovation Center, Escola Politècnica Superior, Departament d’Enginyeria Industrial i Edificació, Universitat de Lleida (UdL), 25003 Lleida, Spain
Funding
Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial (CDTI)
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