CSIR-CLRI Waterless Chrome Tanning - Redefining Tanning Chemistry

“Waterless Chrome Tanning Technology (WCTT)” is a distinctive innovative lead from the CSIR-CLRI’s 12th Five Year Plan project namely “Research Initiatives for Waterless Tanning”. According to the WCTT, which has been patented by CSIR-CLRI in India and abroad, chrome tanning is carried out without water. Apart from addressing the issue of chromium discharge totally, this technology also brings about the benefits of reduction in total dissolved solids load. The quality of leathers thus produced is also found to be better than the leather produced in the conventional manner. It is a breakthrough alternative from CSIR-CLRI for the century old practice of chrome tanning.

This game-changing technology has now found PAN INDIA acceptance, with tanners in all clusters enrolling for its adoption. So far the technology has been licensed to about 50 tanneries in India. Efforts are now on to translate this technology both nationally and globally. Several countries, including Ethiopia and Sri Lanka, have evinced interest in this CSIR technology. This technology could bring about the following benefits to Indian leather sector.

• Saving of about 2 billion liters of water per annum
• Reduction in the usage and discharge of about 20,000 tons of chrome tanning agent per annum
• Reduction in the usage and discharge of about 100,000 tons of sodium chloride per annum

The Game Changing Tanning Technology has been released to the Nation by The Honourable President of India, Shri. Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, the 26th of September 2017 on the Occasion of Platinum Jubilee Celebration of CSIR.