Leather is a versatile material used since time immortal as a luxury statement. The demand for leather is witnessing steady growth; by the end of 2024, the value added in the leather & related products market is estimated to reach $55.91 billion. The manufacturing of leather involves a detailed chemical process that turns raw animal hides into a final leather material with special characteristics.
But, where do leather chemicals come from? Well, it is a component used in the manufacture of leather products. Read on to learn more about it.
What are Leather Chemicals?
The term “leather chemicals” describes the range of materials used in the preparation and manufacturing of leather. These substances are essential in turning raw hides and skins into the finished leather goods we use daily. They are utilized during various stages of the leather-making process, including beam house and tanyard operations, dyeing, and finishing.
The chemicals that are used in the production of leather have several uses. They aid in soaking hides or skins, eliminate natural fats and greases, control swelling during liming, chemically break down hair, and stabilize collagen fibers. They also help inhibit the formation of bacteria. Sodium sulfide, biocides, surfactants, degreasers, lime, low-sulfur unhairing agents, and caustic soda are frequently used leather chemicals.
4 Prominent Leather Companies and its Products
Below listed are the top four leather chemical manufacturers.
- Stahl Leather Chemicals: Stahl offers a wide range of leather chemicals, including wet-end chemicals, surface treatments, and finishing solutions. Some of their products include Tanicor DLX-N, Tanicor SCU liquid, Tanicor RS-31 liquid, and Tanicor PWB-IN.
- TFL Leather Chemicals: TFL is a global supplier and offers a comprehensive range of products. They have more than 150 chemicals pertaining to leather in their portfolio, and their products are known for quality, safety, and environmental protection.
- Lanxess Leather Chemicals: Lanxess, a specialty chemicals company, used to have an organic leather business. However, it was sold to TFL Ledertechnik GmbH in 2021.
- Syntan Leather Chemicals: Syntan is a type of leather chemical used for retanning and achieving specific leather qualities. Stahl offers syntan products under the brand names SELLATAN and TANIGAN.
Types of Chemicals Used in Leather Manufacturing
Understanding the various chemicals employed in leather production is crucial for both manufacturers and consumers.
Pre-tanning Chemicals:
- Liming agents: Remove hair and other proteins from raw hides.
- Deliming agents: Neutralize the pH of the hides after liming.
- Bating agents: Soften the hides and enhance their elasticity.
Tanning Chemicals:
- Chromium salts: Commonly used tanning agents in contemporary leather manufacturing.
- Other tanning agents: Include aldehydes, vegetable tannins, and synthetic options.
Dyeing Chemicals:
- Acid dyes: Provide good colorfastness and uniform dye penetration.
- Basic dyes: Offer bright colors but have poor lightfastness, not suitable for outdoor use.
Finishing Chemicals:
- Fatliquors: Enhance softness, flexibility, and water resistance.
- Resins and waxes: Improve durability and glossiness.
- Pigments: Conceal blemishes and provide uniform color.
Other Chemicals:
- Preservatives, fungicides, and bactericides: Prevent the growth of microorganisms that can degrade the leather.
Environmental Concerns Related to Leather Chemicals
While leather is widely used in clothing, accessories, and furniture, its tanning process involves various chemicals that pose environmental risks.
Toxicity:
The use of chemicals in leather manufacturing poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. These chemicals have the potential to cause skin and respiratory irritation, and prolonged exposure can result in more serious health consequences. Additionally, the improper disposal of these chemicals can lead to their contamination of water sources and negatively impact wildlife. It is crucial to address these concerns and prioritize the development and implementation of safer and more sustainable practices in the leather industry.
Disposal:
The disposal of leather chemicals is complex due to their hazardous nature. Simple disposal methods are inadequate, necessitating proper techniques like incineration or other hazardous waste management facilities.
Water Usage:
Tanning leather demands substantial water, straining local water sources. Furthermore, the chemicals used in tanning can pollute wastewater, necessitating treatment before discharge.
Energy Usage:
The tanning process consumes significant energy, primarily for heating and cooling water. This energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Chemical Regulations:
Certain chemicals used in leather manufacturing are subject to regulation by authorities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid fines and legal ramifications.
To mitigate these concerns, leather manufacturers can adopt environmentally friendly tanning methods like vegetable tanning, which relies on natural plant extracts instead of harsh chemicals. They can also implement water conservation practices, invest in renewable energy sources, and enhance chemical management to reduce hazardous chemical usage and disposal.
Final Takeaway
Leather chemicals play a vital role in the intricate process of transforming raw hides and skins into the luxurious and durable leather products we enjoy. These chemicals offer a range of benefits, from preventing bacterial growth and aiding in wetting back to removing fats and greases, stabilizing collagen fibers, and achieving desired leather qualities. While concerns about environmental impact and worker safety persist, efforts are being made to develop more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives in the leather industry.