Eco-Friendly Alternatives in Leather Production: Performance of Biodegradable Alginate-Based Retanned Leather Compared to Conventional Leathers and Plant-Based Materials

Abstract

This study explores the development and characterization of biodegradable leather using alginate derivatives as sustainable tanning agents, aiming to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional leather tanning processes. Alginate, a natural polysaccharide derived from brown algae, was modified through ultrasound treatment to reduce viscosity and improve its application in leather tanning. This study investigated the use of sodium alginates as bio-based retanning agents, comparing their performance against that of conventional chromium-tanned and vegetable-tanned leathers, as well as synthetic alternatives such as leatherette, Piñatex®, and Desserto®. The physical, chemical, and thermal properties of the resulting leathers were assessed. The results demonstrated that alginate-based tanning agents could produce leather with comparable or superior properties to conventional and synthetic leathers, meeting the quality standards required for high-end footwear and leather goods. This research highlights the potential of alginate derivatives to serve as eco-friendly alternatives in the leather industry. The findings underscore the feasibility of integrating bio-based materials into industrial applications, promoting environmental conservation and resource efficiency.

This research was funded by Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnol\u00F3gico Industrial (CDTI) within the frame of the Eureka project PN-III-P3-3.5-EUK-2019-0236 \u201CBiodegradable and Antimicrobial Re-tanning Agent and Coating for Ecological and Safe Leather\u2014BIOSAFE LEATHER E!13427\u201D.