In order to address the challenge of cleaner chrome tanning process which is considered as a huge burden to the leather industry, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)- Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) has developed a Waterless Chrome Tanning Technology (WCTT) that provides complete solution for the pollution that is caused due to chromium.

According to this  process, chrome tanning is carried out without water and addition of any new chemicals/products with two operations, pickling and basification, being averted. Apart from addressing the issue of chromium discharge, it also brings about the benefits of reduction in total dissolved solids load without compromising the quality of leathers. The technology enables 20% savings in energy, time and water ina edition to the economic benefit. So far more than 125 leather manufacturers have obtained the license to adopt this technology and enrolling of another 40 tanners is in progress. Due to this technology, nearly 100 million litres of water resource is saved annually . Apart from this, the process also prohibits  the emission of 1200 tons of chromium and 4500 tons of salt reaching the waterbodies.

In another landmark initiative, CSIR-CLRI has developed sustainable technologies for utilizing the chrome shavings or the protein rich tanned waste  into value added products. The chrome shaving has been utilised for making protein based multi-functional retanning agent. Similarly, the eco friendly product  has been utilised as a reducing agent for making chrome tanning agent. Thus, as a circular economy model, the solid wastes from the leather industry have been converted into value added products, which can be utilised by the tanning industry itself.

This has been stated in the press release issued by CSIR-CLRI, Chennai.

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