Production of Agglomerates, Composite Materials, and Seed Coatings from Tannery Waste as New Methods for Its Management

Abstract

This paper presents methods for managing waste produced by the leather industry, including tanning shavings derived from chrome tanning technologies and collagen preparations. Shavings were classified according to their shape (in accordance with Zingg’s shape classification). The content of individual elements was determined, together with the content of volatile organic compounds. Two new products were developed as part of the completed works: agglomerates (methods of non-pressure granulation) and composite materials were produced on the basis of tanning shavings and mineral fillers. Young’s modulus values classify these composite materials in the group of polymers and certain materials from the group of elastomers. A method for seed coating (on the example of legumes and rape) was also developed using a disc granulator, including collagen preparations in one of the layers as a solution for preventing the effects of droughts (biostimulant). The analyses of selected properties of the new products confirm the wide possible application of waste shavings and collagen preparations in a circular economy, especially in the construction, packaging, and agricultural sectors.

Experimental Study on Chrome Tanned Leather Shavings Modification—Properties and Prospective for Future Application

“…The highest value was found for the sample that was modified with pectin (0.52 g cm −3 ). For the unmodified CTLS, the value of bulk density was 0.15 g cm −3 , which was in agreement with the literature [40,41]. Interestingly, the modifications carried out also resulted in a reduction in fiber length.…”

Utilisation of Production Residue from the Footwear and Clothing Industry

“…In both cases, the maximum activity was obtained from the 5-6 mm fraction for the produced granules. 150,151,152 In further studies, the impact of collagen preparations contained in seed coats created using a disc granulator on the growth and condition of plants was verified. For this purpose, seeds capsules were sown in universal soil, and then the lengths of the obtained seedlings were analysed at certain intervals (Figure 3.2.3.).…”

“…materials capable of reversible deformation under the influence of mechanical forces without the risk of losing the continuity of their structure, which significantly extends the area of their application. 132,133 • The influence of the mineral additive is important in the context of creating an appropriate system in terms of its resistance to water. The source of the increase in the intensity of soaking together with the increase in the percentage content of the mineral additive accounts for the specific properties of the fillers used.…”

“…The footwear is mainly imported from China that dominates the global market as a manufacturer of cheap footwear. In 2019 as many as 133.17 million pairs of shoes were imported from this country to Poland, which accounts for an increase of 8.79% as compared to 2018. 5 A huge amount of solid waste, a significant amount of which consists of organic matter, i.e.…”

The importance of social innovations in the knowledge-based economy in the context of footwear sector solutions

“…Materials Exemplified by Cotton Fabric and Velour Leather -Inspired by Nature 97 The self-cleaning effect is related to the following concepts developed by scientists: TiO 2 -based superhydrophilic self-cleaning, lotus effect self-cleaning, gecko setae-derived self-cleaning, and underwater organisms-inspired antifouling selfcleaning. The self-cleaning mechanism depends on the superhydrophilicity or superhydrophobicity of the surface.…”