Sustainable Practices in the Tannery Industry: Strategies for Eco-Friendly Leather Manufacturing

By: Salah Souabi and Moulay Abdelazize Aboulhassan

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Synopsis: Tannery operations have significant environmental impacts due to liquid, solid, and gaseous waste discharges, along with substantial consumption of resources like raw hides, energy, chemicals, and water. On average, tanneries use 50 m3 of water and 300 kg of chemicals per ton of processed hides, exacerbating global drought challenges. To mitigate these impacts, there's a critical need to rethink water management practices in the industry. This book offers an approach to decouple economic growth from resource overuse, thereby combating climate change. It guides businesses in managing the production process with a focus on recycling water and product components, such as chromium, which is highly toxic. Integrated management methods, including the application of consumption ratios and adherence to standards like ISO management systems, are highlighted. Given the complexity and cost of treatment technologies, prioritizing best practices and preventive measures is essential to reduce liquid and solid waste production. The book also underscores the advantages of clean technologies in curbing water and chemical usage. In summary, this resource empowers tanneries to operate more efficiently and sustainably, fostering responsible economic development.