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Premium tanning agents for premium leather
Organic basic chrome sulphate covers all applications with environmental concerns in focus, says VOELPKER SPEZIALPRODUKTE.
eather has been utilised by humans for over 400,000 years, initially for clothing, footwear and furniture. It represents one of the earliest forms of recycling, where by-products from meat consumption were repurposed. The vegetable tanning process, which began around 4000BC, extended the life of leather. However, the discovery of chrome tanning in the 1800s revolutionised the industry by reducing tanning time and allowing the production of softer, thinner leather. Today, chrome tanning is responsible for more than 90% of global leather production. As a result, organic basic chrome sulphate (OBCS) has become an essential component of the leather manufacturing process.
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Organic basic chrome sulphate Industries such as pharmaceuticals, pigments and waxes use sodium dichromate as an oxidising agent, producing various products for a number of other industry segments. A reacted chrome (III) liquor coming from this process is reduced with organic reductants like molasses to produce basic chrome sulphate (BCS), which is essential for leather tanning. More than 50% of all chrome sulphate used in tanning now comes from the organic reduction process, a growing trend in the leather industry. Organic basic chrome sulphate is produced by reducing hexavalent chromium (from sodium dichromate) to trivalent chromium using organic reductants. Reputable producers, like VOELPKER SPEZIALPRODUKTE GmbH, use excess reductant to ensure the elimination of any traces of hexavalent chromium, ensuring safety during the tanning process. Products like VOELPKER’s chrome sulphate undergo continuous testing to meet international standards for quality and safety. Organic basic chrome sulphate types with high basicity of 40% and 50% are also
Leather International /
www.leathermag.com
With a growing focus on reducing CO2 emissions and carbon footprints, organic liquid chrome has become a preferred choice for tanneries looking to adopt more sustainable practices and comply with global environmental standards.
Products like VOELPKER’s chrome sulphate undergo continuous testing to meet international standards for quality and safety.
available. These are used for retanning and also to improve the fullness and softness, and to make dyeing more intense and uniform.
Environmental and economic benefits As global energy prices rise, the demand for BCS in liquid form has increased due to its efficiency. Using liquid chrome reduces energy consumption and eliminates the need for spray drying and dissolving, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. It also reduces packaging waste, such as paper and plastic, helping tanneries lower their environmental footprint.
Liquid dosing systems offer precise metering, ensuring accurate applications and reducing dust generation. This not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances worker health and safety by minimising exposure to harmful chemicals.
Compliance and certification VOELPKER’s chrome sulphate tanning agent, branded BASOCHROM 33, is listed in the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) gateway and is compliant with the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL). These certifications demonstrate VOELPKER’s commitment to delivering high-quality products that adhere to stringent safety and environmental standards. Additionally, VOELPKER’s chrome sulphate is certified by the PFI Institute in Germany for producing low-pollutant leather, receiving the SG Sign certification. This certification is crucial for tanneries striving to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly leather products. VOELPKER is a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG) and holds an Ecovadis certification, highlighting its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
A sustainable future
In conclusion, organic basic chrome sulphate is vital to the leather industry, offering benefits such as improved leather quality, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced worker safety. As sustainability becomes a priority, the advantages of using liquid organic basic chrome sulphate continue to grow, benefitting both manufacturers and the environment. VOELPKER’s dedication to quality, sustainability and innovation ensures that its products meet global environmental standards and support a more sustainable future in leather production. ●
https://voelpker.com/en 17
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