'Green' leather is in this seasonOctober 08, 2007Fashionista's after the latest in leather bags could soon have a 'greener' selection to choose from. Scientists in India have modified the tanning process making it far more eco-friendly, reports Anne Pichon in Chemistry & Industry, the magazine of the SCI. Tanning is a complex chemical process used to transform perishable raw hides and skins into durable leather. Unfortunately, as a result, high levels of pollution are released into the water. Raghava Rao and his team at the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Adyar have modified the process to make it into an eco-friendly, cost-efficient method. The researchers found that simply reversing the order of the tanning and post-tanning steps can drastically improve the process. By also promoting non-chemical-based pre-tanning methods, they have reduced the amount chemicals released by 82% and made an energy saving of nearly 40% (Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, doi: 10.1002/jctb.1727). According to Rao, "The significance is tremendous in the context of environmental challenges being faced by the leather industry". Most importantly, no loss of the leather quality was observed when compared with conventional tanning methods. Society of Chemical Industry |
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| Related Eco-friendly Current Events and Eco-friendly News Articles An inexpensive 'dipstick' test for pesticides in foods Scientists in Canada are reporting the development of a fast, inexpensive "dipstick" test to identify small amounts of pesticides that may exist in foods and beverages. Brain power goes green Our brains, it turns out, are eco-friendly. A study published in Science and reviewed by F1000 Biology members Venkatesh Murthy and Jakob Sorensen reveals that our brains have the amazing ability to be energy efficient. How the 100th protein structure solved at Diamond impacts our understanding of how insects smell New research announced today, Wednesday 30th September, by a team of leading scientists working with the UK's national Synchrotron, Diamond Light Source, could have a significant impact on the development and refinement of new eco-friendly pest control methods for worldwide agriculture. Lime mortars in conservation - traditional materials and craft for the Future Plaster made from lime is environment-friendly, repairable and sustainable. Despite this, lime plaster on historic buildings has been replaced in modern times by plaster containing Portland cement - which has caused severe damage to historic buildings. Superscanner helps scientists see into the unknown Researchers at The University of Nottingham have a new weapon in their arsenal of tools to push back the boundaries of science, engineering, veterinary medicine and archaeology. Growing green roofs One way to maximize the eco-friendly factor of a structure is to include a green roof-and this doesn't refer to the paint color. 'Killer spices' provide eco-friendly pesticides for organic fruits and veggies Mention rosemary, thyme, clove, and mint and most people think of a delicious meal. Think bigger-acres bigger. New eco-friendly self-cleaning material tough on stains, light on effort Cleaning oily smears from kitchen countertops, mirrors, garage floors, and other surfaces with plain water - rather than strong detergents or smelly solvents - may seem like pure fantasy. University has grand designs to build a house of straw That's what researchers at the University of Bath will be testing this summer by constructing a "BaleHaus" made of prefabricated straw bale and hemp cladding panels on campus. 'Green' fireworks may brighten eco-friendly 4th of July displays in future With millions of people in the United States eagerly awaiting those July 4 fireworks displays - and our Canadian neighbors doing likewise for their July 1 Canada Day celebrations - here's a prospect for those light shows of the future likely to ignite a smile on Mother Nature's face: A new generation of "green" fireworks is quietly making its way toward the sky. More Eco-friendly Current Events and Eco-friendly News Articles |
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